Inklingo

How to Say "considerable" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “considerable” is “considerable” — use this word when referring to something large in size, amount, or importance, directly mirroring the English word.

English → Spanish

considerable

kon-see-deh-rah-blehkonsideˈɾaβle

adjectiveB1general
Use this word when referring to something large in size, amount, or importance, directly mirroring the English word.
A tiny mouse standing next to a very large wedge of cheese that is many times its size.

Examples

Tengo una cantidad considerable de tarea hoy.

I have a considerable amount of homework today.

El retraso en el aeropuerto fue considerable.

The delay at the airport was significant.

La empresa invirtió una suma considerable de dinero.

The company invested a sizeable sum of money.

One Form for All

In Spanish, this word is gender-neutral. Because it ends in 'e,' you don't need to change the ending for masculine or feminine nouns. It is always 'considerable' for one thing and 'considerables' for many.

Where to Put It

While you can put this word before or after the noun, placing it after the noun (e.g., 'un retraso considerable') is the most natural way to emphasize the size or impact.

Using it for 'Thoughtful'

Mistake: “Using 'considerable' to describe a person who is kind or thoughtful.”

Correction: Use 'considerado' for a thoughtful person. 'Considerable' only describes things that are large or important.

sustancial

soos-tahn-SYALsustanˈsjal

adjectiveB1general
Use this when you want to highlight a significant or large amount, often implying a notable change or impact.
A large, tall stack of gold coins sitting on a wooden table.

Examples

Hubo un cambio sustancial en los resultados del examen.

There was a substantial change in the exam results.

Recibió una mejora sustancial en su salario este mes.

He received a significant improvement in his salary this month.

No hay una diferencia sustancial entre estas dos opciones.

There is no substantial difference between these two options.

One form for both genders

Adjectives ending in '-l' like 'sustancial' don't change for masculine or feminine nouns. You can say 'un cambio sustancial' (masculine) or 'una mejora sustancial' (feminine).

Placement for emphasis

While it usually comes after the noun, putting it before (un sustancial cambio) makes it sound more poetic or formal.

Confusing with 'sustancioso'

Mistake: “Comí una cena muy sustancial.”

Correction: Comí una cena muy sustancioso.

importante

eem-por-TAHN-tehimpoɾˈtante

adjectiveA1general
This is a very common word that can mean 'considerable' when referring to a large amount, but its primary meaning is 'important'.
A massive, antique golden key resting prominently on a tall, sturdy stone pedestal, emphasizing its significance and value.

Examples

Es muy importante estudiar.

It is 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!

respetable

rreh-speh-TAH-blehrespeˈtaβle

adjectiveB2general
Employ this word when referring to a significant or noteworthy size or amount, often implying it's worthy of attention.
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.

razonable

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

adjectiveB2general
Use this when referring to an amount or quantity that is large but still within sensible limits, often implying a fair or moderate scale.
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'.

Using 'Importante' too broadly

Learners often default to 'importante' for any large quantity. While sometimes correct, remember 'considerable' or 'sustancial' are more direct translations for 'large amount' when 'importance' isn't the focus.

Related Translations

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