Inklingo

How to Say "heavy" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pesada

peh-SAH-dah/peˈsaða/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'pesada' when referring to physical weight, something that is difficult to lift or carry.
A small child struggling and straining to lift a very large, heavy gray boulder.

Examples

Esta maleta es muy pesada.

This suitcase is very heavy.

Esta caja de libros es demasiado pesada para mí.

This box of books is too heavy for me.

La puerta de metal era tan pesada que casi no podía abrirla.

The metal door was so heavy I could barely open it.

Gender Agreement

Since 'pesada' is an adjective, it must match the feminine noun it describes, like 'la maleta pesada' (the heavy suitcase). For a masculine noun, use 'pesado'.

cargado

kar-GAH-doh/kaɾˈɣaðo/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'cargado' to describe something that is intense, concentrated, or full, like a strong scent, a thick atmosphere, or a potent drink.
A small cup of extremely dark, rich coffee emitting thick, intense steam, symbolizing strong flavor.

Examples

Me gusta el café cargado por la mañana.

I like strong coffee in the morning.

Necesito un café bien cargado para empezar el día.

I need a really strong coffee to start the day.

El vestido tiene un color rojo muy cargado.

The dress has a very intense red color.

Había un ambiente cargado de tensión en la sala de reuniones.

There was an atmosphere heavy with tension in the meeting room.

intenso

een-TEHN-soh/inˈtenso/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'intenso' to describe something that is extreme, severe, or demanding, often related to weather, emotions, or workload.
A close-up of a brilliant, highly saturated red and orange flame burning strongly and powerfully.

Examples

La carga de trabajo es muy intensa este mes.

The workload is very heavy this month.

El calor este verano ha sido muy intenso.

The heat this summer has been very intense/strong.

Necesitas una luz más intensa para poder leer en la noche.

You need a more intense light to be able to read at night.

El entrenamiento de hoy fue realmente intenso.

Today's workout was really intense.

Adjective Agreement

Like most Spanish adjectives, 'intenso' must change to match the thing it describes. If you talk about 'la lluvia' (feminine), you must say 'la lluvia intensa'.

fuerte

/FWER-teh//ˈfweɾte/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'fuerte' to describe something strong or powerful, commonly used for weather phenomena like wind or rain, or for strong flavors.
A simple illustration of a piece of very pungent cheese causing a person nearby to scrunch up their face in reaction to the strong smell or taste.

Examples

Hubo un viento muy fuerte anoche.

There was a very strong wind last night.

Este queso tiene un sabor muy fuerte.

This cheese has a very strong flavor.

La música está demasiado fuerte, no puedo oírte.

The music is too loud, I can't hear you.

Tengo un dolor de cabeza muy fuerte.

I have a very strong headache.

Physical Weight vs. Intensity

The most common mistake is using 'pesado/a' for abstract concepts like intense emotions or strong smells. Remember, 'pesado/a' is almost always about physical weight. For intensity, consider 'cargado' (concentrated) or 'intenso' (extreme).

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