How to Say "famous" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “famous” is “famoso” — use 'famoso' for general well-knownness, like a celebrity or a popular item. It's the most direct and common translation.
famoso
fah-MOH-sohfaˈmoso
Examples
Este es un actor muy famoso.
This is a very famous actor.
La ciudad es famosa por sus vinos.
The city is famous for its wines.
Esa canción se hizo famosa en los años noventa.
That song became famous in the nineties.
Adjective Agreement
Since 'famoso' is an adjective, it must change its ending to match the thing it describes (the noun). Use 'famoso' for masculine singular, 'famosa' for feminine singular, 'famosos' for masculine plural, and 'famosas' for feminine plural.
Forgetting Agreement
Mistake: “Las cantantes famoso.”
Correction: Las cantantes famosas. (Since 'cantantes' is plural and feminine, 'famoso' must also be plural and feminine.)
conocido
ko-no-SEE-dokonoˈsido
Examples
Es un actor muy conocido.
He's a very well-known actor.
La paella es un plato conocido en todo el mundo.
Paella is a dish known throughout the world.
Este es un hecho bien conocido por los científicos.
This is a fact well known by scientists.
Matching the Noun
Like most Spanish describers, 'conocido' changes to match the person or thing it describes. Use 'conocida' for feminine things (la actriz conocida) and add an 's' for plural things (los actores conocidos, las actrices conocidas).
Using 'Ser', Not 'Estar'
Mistake: “La ciudad está conocida por su comida.”
Correction: La ciudad es conocida por su comida. Use 'ser' (es, son, etc.) with 'conocido' to describe a characteristic or identity, like being famous for something.
célebre
Examples
Pablo Picasso es un pintor muy célebre.
Pablo Picasso is a very famous painter.
reconocido
rray-koh-noh-SEE-dohre.ko.noˈsi.ðo
Examples
Es un artista reconocido a nivel internacional.
He is an internationally renowned artist.
Esta es la obra más reconocida de la pintora.
This is the painter's most celebrated work.
La marca es reconocida por su calidad.
The brand is recognized/known for its quality.
Adjective Agreement
As an adjective, 'reconocido' must match the noun it describes in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural): 'un actor reconocido' vs. 'una actriz reconocida'.
celebrado
seh-leh-BRAH-dohθeleˈβɾaðo
Examples
Es el autor más celebrado de su generación.
He is the most acclaimed author of his generation.
Su última película fue muy celebrada por la crítica.
Her latest movie was highly praised by the critics.
Fue una ocurrencia muy celebrada por todos los asistentes.
It was a witty remark much appreciated by everyone attending.
Using with 'Ser'
When you want to say someone 'is' acclaimed as a permanent quality, use the verb 'ser' (es celebrado).
Confusing 'Celebrated' with 'Famous'
Mistake: “Él es muy celebrado en Facebook.”
Correction: Él es muy famoso en Facebook.
Famoso vs. Conocido
Related Translations
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