potencia
“potencia” means “power” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
power, strength
Also: capacity
📝 In Action
El motor de este coche tiene mucha potencia.
B1This car's engine has a lot of power.
Necesitas más potencia para levantar esa caja pesada.
A2You need more strength to lift that heavy box.
La potencia de su voz llenó la sala de conciertos.
B2The power of her voice filled the concert hall.
power
Also: major power, world power
📝 In Action
La nueva potencia económica está emergiendo en Asia.
C1The new economic power is emerging in Asia.
El país fue una potencia militar durante el siglo pasado.
B2The country was a military power during the last century.
power, exponent
Also: index
📝 In Action
La potencia eléctrica se mide en vatios.
C1Electrical power is measured in watts.
Cuatro elevado a la potencia de tres es sesenta y cuatro.
C2Four raised to the power of three is sixty-four.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "potencia" in Spanish:
capacity→exponent→index→major power→power→strength→world power→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: potencia
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'potencia' is used when describing a major country?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Latin word *potentia*, meaning 'power,' 'might,' or 'ability.' It shares its root with English words like 'potent' and 'potential.'
First recorded: Medieval Spanish
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'potencia' only used for physical strength?
No. While it describes physical capacity (like an engine's power), it is also frequently used for abstract ideas (the power of an idea), political entities (a global power), and technical concepts (electrical power or mathematical exponents).
How is 'potencia' different from 'poder'?
Both mean 'power.' 'Poder' can be a noun (meaning authority or abstract power) or a verb (to be able to). 'Potencia' is exclusively a feminine noun and usually refers to measurable strength, capacity, or a powerful nation.