How to Say "formidable" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “formidable” is “formidable” — use this word when you want to describe something or someone that inspires respect due to its size, power, or intensity, similar to the English meaning.
formidable
for-mee-dah-blayfoɾmiˈdaβle
Examples
El equipo se enfrentó a un rival formidable.
The team faced a formidable rival.
La montaña presentaba un reto formidable.
The mountain presented a daunting challenge.
temible
teh-MEE-blayteˈmible
Examples
El pirata tenía una reputación temible en todo el Caribe.
The pirate had a fearsome reputation throughout the Caribbean.
Mañana tenemos el temible examen final de matemáticas.
Tomorrow we have the dreaded final math exam.
Ese equipo de fútbol es un rival temible en su propio estadio.
That soccer team is a formidable rival in their own stadium.
One size fits all gender
Since this word ends in '-e', it doesn't change for boys or girls. You can say 'un hombre temible' (a fearsome man) or 'una mujer temible' (a fearsome woman).
The '-ible' pattern
Just like in English, the ending '-ible' means 'capable of being.' So, 'temible' literally means 'capable of being feared' (from the verb 'temer').
Don't use it for your own feelings
Mistake: “Estoy temible.”
Correction: Tengo miedo o estoy asustado.
tremenda
treh-MEN-dahtɾeˈmenda
Examples
Es una abogada tremenda; nunca pierde un caso.
She is an incredible lawyer; she never loses a case.
Confusing 'temible' and 'tremenda'
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