Inklingo

How to Say "fame" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word forfameis famause 'fama' when referring to the general state of being famous or well-known, often achieved quickly or as a result of a specific event.

English → Spanish

fama

FAH-mahˈfa.ma

nounA2general
Use 'fama' when referring to the general state of being famous or well-known, often achieved quickly or as a result of a specific event.
A person standing center stage under a bright spotlight, receiving enthusiastic applause from an unseen audience, symbolizing their famous status.

Examples

La fama de ese actor creció rápidamente.

That actor's fame grew quickly.

La cantante saltó a la fama después de ganar el concurso.

The singer shot to fame after winning the contest.

Mucha gente busca la fama, pero pocos la encuentran.

Many people seek fame, but few find it.

A Feminine Noun

'Fama' is always a feminine word, even though it ends in 'a'. Always use the feminine article 'la' or 'una' with it.

Using the wrong article

Mistake:El fama

Correction: La fama. Remember, 'fama' is feminine.

popularidad

po-poo-lah-ree-DAHDpopulaɾiˈðað

nounA2general
Use 'popularidad' to describe the state of being liked or admired by many people; it focuses on widespread appeal and public favor.
A smiling person surrounded by a cheerful group of friends giving high-fives and thumbs up.

Examples

El nuevo producto alcanzó una gran popularidad.

The new product achieved great popularity.

La popularidad del cantante es increíble.

The singer's popularity is incredible.

Este juego ha ganado mucha popularidad recientemente.

This game has gained a lot of popularity recently.

Su popularidad cayó después del escándalo.

His popularity dropped after the scandal.

The '-dad' Rule

Spanish words ending in '-dad' (like popularidad, ciudad, or verdad) are almost always feminine. You should always use 'la' or 'una' with them.

Using the Article

When talking about 'popularity' in general, Spanish usually needs the word 'the' (la) before it, even if English doesn't. For example: 'La popularidad es difícil de mantener' (Popularity is hard to maintain).

Gender Error

Mistake:El popularidad es importante.

Correction: La popularidad es importante. Because words ending in -dad are feminine, you must use 'la'.

celebridad

seh-leh-bree-DAHDseleβɾiˈðað

nounB2general
Choose 'celebridad' to refer to the status of being a celebrity or having widespread public recognition, often implying a more established level of fame.
A golden trophy shaped like a star sitting on a pedestal under a bright spotlight.

Examples

La celebridad del artista es conocida mundialmente.

The artist's celebrity is known worldwide.

El escritor alcanzó la celebridad a una edad temprana.

The writer achieved fame at an early age.

La celebridad de sus obras perdura hasta hoy.

The renown of his works lasts until today.

Abstract Concept

In this context, 'celebridad' refers to the idea of being famous rather than a physical person.

inmortalidad

een-mor-tah-lee-dahdinmoɾtaliˈðað

nounB2literary
Use 'inmortalidad' when the context implies achieving lasting fame or being remembered forever, often in a historical or legendary sense.
A vibrant green tree with glowing roots and golden leaves standing tall in a lush field under a bright sun.

Examples

Los poetas a menudo buscan la inmortalidad a través de su obra.

Poets often seek immortality through their work.

Muchos personajes de leyendas buscaban la fuente de la inmortalidad.

Many legend characters were looking for the fountain of immortality.

La inmortalidad del alma es una creencia común.

The immortality of the soul is a common belief.

Su gran descubrimiento le dio la inmortalidad en el mundo de la ciencia.

Her great discovery gave her immortality in the world of science.

Always Feminine

Spanish words that end in '-dad' are almost always feminine. You should always use 'la' or 'una' with this word.

Abstract Concept Articles

When talking about general ideas like 'immortality,' Spanish usually needs the word 'la' (the) at the start of the sentence, even if English doesn't use 'the'.

Using the Wrong Gender

Mistake:El inmortalidad es un sueño.

Correction: La inmortalidad es un sueño. (The ending '-dad' tells you it is a feminine word).

Fama vs. Popularidad

Learners often confuse 'fama' and 'popularidad'. Remember that 'fama' is simply being known, while 'popularidad' implies being liked or favored by many. You can have 'fama' without 'popularidad', and vice versa.

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.