Inklingo

How to Say "considerable" in Spanish

English → Spanish

importante

/eem-por-TAHN-teh//impoɾˈtante/

adjectiveA1general
Use this when 'considerable' refers to the significance or importance of something, rather than just its size or quantity.
A massive, antique golden key resting prominently on a tall, sturdy stone pedestal, emphasizing its significance and value.

Examples

Es un avance importante para la ciencia.

It is a considerable advance for science.

Es muy importante estudiar.

It's very important to study.

Tengo una reunión importante mañana.

I have an important meeting tomorrow.

Él es una figura importante en la política local.

He is an important figure in local politics.

Same for Everyone

Importante ends in '-e', which is great news! It means you use the same form for both masculine and feminine things. For example: 'el libro importante' (the important book) and 'la casa importante' (the important house).

Placement is Key

Usually, importante comes after the thing it describes, just like in English. For example, 'una reunión importante' (an important meeting). Placing it before ('una importante reunión') adds a bit of emphasis or a more formal tone.

Your Go-To Verb: 'ser'

To say something is important, you'll almost always use the verb 'ser'. For example, 'Ser honesto es importante' (Being honest is important).

The 'Es importante que...' Rule

Mistake: “Es importante que tú estudias mucho.”

Correction: Es importante que tú estudies mucho. When you say it's important for *someone else* to do something, the verb that follows needs a special ending. This is a huge pattern in Spanish!

razonable

rah-thoh-NAH-bleh (Spain) / rah-soh-NAH-bleh (L. Am.)/raθoˈnaβle/

adjectiveB2general
Choose this when 'considerable' implies a large but acceptable or fair amount or quantity, often suggesting it was expected or justified.
A small, open wooden treasure chest overflowing with a massive, impressive mound of bright gold coins, representing a considerable quantity.

Examples

El proyecto requirió un esfuerzo razonable de todo el equipo.

The project required a considerable effort from the entire team.

Hemos visto un avance razonable en las negociaciones.

We have seen moderate/significant progress in the negotiations.

Quantifier

In this meaning, 'razonable' acts like a quantifier, emphasizing that the amount or degree was sufficient or impressive, not just 'sensible'.

respetable

/rreh-speh-TAH-bleh//respeˈtaβle/

adjectiveB2general
Use this when 'considerable' refers to a quantity or amount that is notably large and worthy of notice or respect.
A very large, overflowing basket of colorful ripe fruit sitting on a wooden table.

Examples

Había una cantidad respetable de gente en el concierto.

There was a considerable amount of people at the concert.

Llevaban una velocidad respetable.

They were traveling at a substantial speed.

Distinguishing 'Importante' from Quantity-Based Terms

Learners often mistakenly use 'importante' when 'considerable' refers purely to a large size or quantity. Remember, 'importante' emphasizes significance or value, while 'razonable' and 'respetable' focus on the scale of the amount itself.

Related Translations

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