Inklingo

How to Say "import" in Spanish

English → Spanish

importan

/eem-por-TAHN//im.poɾˈtan/

verbB1
Use 'importan' when referring to the act of bringing merchandise or products into a country, typically for trade or commerce.
A large bright red cargo ship is docked next to a pier on a green coastline. A yellow industrial crane is lifting a large wooden crate from the ship and placing it onto the dock.

Examples

Las tiendas grandes importan la mayoría de sus productos.

The large stores import the majority of their products.

¿Qué países importan más petróleo a Europa?

Which countries import the most oil to Europe?

Transitive Use

In this meaning, 'importan' is used simply, like 'they buy' or 'they sell.' The goods being imported are the direct object: 'Ellos importan (verb) tecnología (object).'

significado

sig-ni-fi-KAH-doh/siɣnifiˈkaðo/

nounB1formal
Use 'significado' when referring to the importance or meaning of an event, idea, or situation, rather than the physical act of importing goods.
A bright golden crown sits prominently on a tall, simple stone pedestal, illuminated by a single spotlight, symbolizing importance and significance.

Examples

El evento tuvo un gran significado histórico para la región.

The event had great historical significance for the region.

Su presencia en la reunión carecía de significado.

His presence at the meeting lacked significance (was unimportant).

Analizamos el significado profundo de sus palabras.

We analyzed the profound significance of his words.

Using 'Tener' (To Have)

To express that something is important, you often use the verb tener (to have): 'Esto tiene mucho significado' (This has a lot of significance).

Confusing Verb vs. Noun

The most common mistake is using 'significado' (meaning/significance) when you intend to talk about the act of importing goods. Remember, importing physical items is a verb ('importar'), while abstract importance is a noun ('significado').

Related Translations

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