potencial

/poh-ten-SYAL/

potential

A simple illustration of a small brown seed resting in dark earth, with a faint green outline indicating the plant that will grow from it.

As an adjective, potencial describes something that is possible or has a latent quality, like the life potential contained within this seed.

potencial(adjective)

m or fB1

potential

as a possibility or latent quality

Also:

possible

describing an outcome

latent

existing but not yet active

📝 In Action

Existe un riesgo potencial de inundación en la zona baja.

There is a potential risk of flooding in the low area.

Necesitamos identificar a los clientes potenciales.

We need to identify the potential clients.

Word Connections

Synonyms

posible (possible)
futuro (future)

Antonyms

real (real, actual)
actual (current)

Common Collocations

peligro potencial – potential danger
mercado potencial – potential market

💡 Grammar Points

Always Ends in -al

The adjective 'potencial' is special because it works for both masculine and feminine nouns, and it always ends in '-al' (e.g., el riesgo potencial, la amenaza potencial).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Don't Change the Ending for Gender

Mistake: "La amenaza potenciala."

Correction: La amenaza potencial. (The ending does not change to match the feminine noun.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Placement

Like many descriptive adjectives, 'potencial' usually comes after the noun it describes.

A close-up illustration of a young, sturdy oak sapling with unusually large, deep roots extending downward into the soil, emphasizing its strong foundation for future growth.

As a noun, potencial refers to the capacity for development or achievement, often visualized by the strong, deep roots of a young tree.

potencial(noun)

mB2

potential

capacity for development

Also:

capability

ability or competence

power

stored energy (often technical)

📝 In Action

El joven tiene un gran potencial para la música.

The young man has great potential for music.

Debemos aprovechar el potencial de la energía solar.

We must harness the potential of solar energy.

Word Connections

Synonyms

capacidad (capacity, ability)
talento (talent)

Antonyms

incapacidad (incapacity)

Common Collocations

desarrollar el potencial – to develop the potential
máximo potencial – maximum potential

💡 Grammar Points

It's Always Masculine

When used as a noun meaning 'capacity' or 'capability,' 'potencial' is always masculine: 'el potencial'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using the Feminine Article

Mistake: "La potencial de la empresa."

Correction: El potencial de la empresa. (Remember to use 'el' because 'potencial' as a noun is masculine.)

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: potencial

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'potencial' as a noun (a thing) rather than an adjective (a description)?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

potencia(power, strength) - noun

potente(powerful) - adjective

potencialmente(potentially) - adverb

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'potencial' change its ending for feminine nouns?

No. When 'potencial' is used as an adjective (describing a noun), it has a single form ending in -al, which is used for both masculine and feminine singular nouns (e.g., 'el riesgo potencial' and 'la crisis potencial').

Is 'potencial' the same as 'poder'?

They are related, but not the same. 'Poder' usually means 'power' or 'ability' that is currently active. 'Potencial' refers to the power or capacity that is hidden or waiting to be developed.