Inklingo

How to Say "famous" in Spanish

English → Spanish

famoso

fah-MOH-soh/faˈmoso/

AdjectiveA1General
Use 'famoso' for general well-knownness, often implying celebrity or widespread recognition without necessarily implying deep respect or achievement.
A single person standing on a small wooden stage, brightly lit by a focused beam of light from above, symbolizing being well-known.

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-do//konoˈsido/

AdjectiveA2General
Use 'conocido' to describe someone or something that is familiar or recognized by many people, often in a more neutral or everyday context than 'famoso'.
A drawing of a famous, iconic landmark structure being admired by many small people below.

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.

reconocido

/rray-koh-noh-SEE-doh//re.ko.noˈsi.ðo/

AdjectiveB1Formal
Use 'reconocido' when someone or something is recognized for their achievements, expertise, or significant contributions, implying a level of respect or prestige.
A respected figure standing on a small wooden platform, receiving a bouquet of flowers from two admirers who are smiling and clapping.

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'.

Choosing between 'famoso' and 'conocido'

Learners often use 'famoso' when 'conocido' would be more appropriate. While 'famoso' implies celebrity status, 'conocido' simply means 'known' or 'familiar' and is often a safer, more neutral choice for someone or something recognized by many.

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