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How to Say "intense" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “intense” is “intenso” — use 'intenso' for a direct, strong, or powerful quality, often related to weather, emotions, or general strength.

intenso🔊B1

Use 'intenso' for a direct, strong, or powerful quality, often related to weather, emotions, or general strength.

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fuerte🔊A2

Use 'fuerte' for a strong flavor, smell, or a noticeable physical pain or feeling.

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extrema🔊B1

Use 'extrema' to describe a situation or condition that is at the highest possible degree, like extreme heat or a very serious situation.

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feroz🔊B2

Use 'feroz' to describe extreme or very strong competition, or a wild, aggressive force like an animal or the sea.

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ardiente🔊C1

Use 'ardiente' to describe a passionate desire, a burning gaze, or a very strong, almost burning, feeling.

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poderoso🔊B1

Use 'poderoso' when something has a very strong effect or is extremely potent, like a glue or a medicine.

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violento🔊B1

Use 'violento' to describe intense emotions, severe pain, or powerful, destructive natural forces like wind or storms.

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tremenda🔊B1

Use 'tremenda' to describe something very large in scale or intensity, like a huge line or a terrible situation.

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profundo🔊B2

Use 'profundo' for emotions or effects that are deep, significant, and have a lasting impact, like a profound impression or deep sadness.

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cargado🔊B1

Use 'cargado' for strong flavors (like coffee or wine) or intense colors and scents.

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subido🔊B1

Use 'subido' specifically for intense or vivid colors and strong flavors.

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denso🔊B2

Use 'denso' to describe a heavy or thick atmosphere, often used figuratively for a tense emotional situation or a complex topic.

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ardiendo🔊B1

Use 'ardiendo' when referring to a body part that is hot due to fever or intense emotion, literally 'burning'.

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atroz🔊B2

Use 'atroz' to describe extreme and unpleasant sensations, particularly intense cold or heat.

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furioso🔊B2

Use 'furioso' to describe the sea or weather that is raging or extremely violent, or to describe intense passion.

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rabioso🔊C1

Use 'rabioso' to describe extreme hunger, thirst, or other intense physical sensations or feelings, often with a sense of urgency.

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vivido🔊B1

Use 'vivido' to describe someone who is experienced and has lived a full, eventful life, implying a rich and intense past.

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English → Spanish

intenso

een-TEHN-sohinˈtenso

AdjectiveB1general
Use 'intenso' for a direct, strong, or powerful quality, often related to weather, emotions, or general strength.
A close-up of a brilliant, highly saturated red and orange flame burning strongly and powerfully.

Examples

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.

Ella tiene sentimientos muy intensos sobre la justicia social.

She has very intense feelings about social justice.

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'.

Using Ser vs. Estar

Since 'intenso' usually describes a core characteristic (like a personality trait or inherent strength), it almost always uses the verb 'ser' (e.g., 'Ella es intensa').

intenso

een-TEHN-sohinˈtenso

AdjectiveB2general
Use 'intenso' for deeply felt emotions or strong personal convictions.
A close-up of a brilliant, highly saturated red and orange flame burning strongly and powerfully.

Examples

Ella tiene sentimientos muy intensos sobre la justicia social.

She has very intense feelings about social justice.

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'.

Using Ser vs. Estar

Since 'intenso' usually describes a core characteristic (like a personality trait or inherent strength), it almost always uses the verb 'ser' (e.g., 'Ella es intensa').

fuerte

FWER-tehˈfweɾte

AdjectiveA2general
Use 'fuerte' for a strong flavor, smell, or a noticeable physical pain or feeling.
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

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.

extrema

ex-TREH-maheksˈtɾema

AdjectiveB1general
Use 'extrema' to describe a situation or condition that is at the highest possible degree, like extreme heat or a very serious situation.
A hiker standing on the peak of a very sharp, high mountain under a bright sun.

Examples

La ola de calor es extrema este verano.

The heatwave is extreme this summer.

Vive en una situación de pobreza extrema.

She lives in a situation of extreme poverty.

Tomó una medida extrema para solucionar el problema.

She took an extreme measure to solve the problem.

Matching with words

Since this word ends in '-a', it only describes feminine words. Use it for 'la situación' (the situation) or 'la medida' (the measure).

Using it with masculine words

Mistake: “el frío extrema”

Correction: el frío extremo. Adjectives must match the gender of the object they describe.

feroz

feh-ROHSfeˈɾos

AdjectiveB2general
Use 'feroz' to describe extreme or very strong competition, or a wild, aggressive force like an animal or the sea.
A powerful storm with dark clouds and bright lightning striking the ground.

Examples

Hay una competencia feroz entre las dos empresas.

There is fierce competition between the two companies.

Sentí un dolor feroz en la espalda.

I felt an intense pain in my back.

ardiente

ar-DYEN-tehaɾˈðjen.te

adjectiveC1general
Use 'ardiente' to describe a passionate desire, a burning gaze, or a very strong, almost burning, feeling.
A simple, stylized red heart that appears to be glowing intensely and radiating warmth or passion.

Examples

Mostró un deseo ardiente de ganar la competencia.

He showed a passionate desire to win the competition.

Ella es una defensora ardiente de los derechos humanos.

She is a fervent/passionate defender of human rights.

Gender Invariable

This adjective always ends in '-e', meaning it describes both masculine nouns (deseo ardiente) and feminine nouns (pasión ardiente) without changing.

poderoso

poh-deh-ROH-sohpoðeˈɾoso

AdjectiveB1general
Use 'poderoso' when something has a very strong effect or is extremely potent, like a glue or a medicine.
A tiny glowing green drop causing a massive, brightly colored cloud of vapor to erupt from a small beaker.

Examples

El pegamento que usó es tan poderoso que no puedo separar las piezas.

The glue he used is so strong/potent that I can't separate the pieces.

La medicina tiene un efecto poderoso contra el dolor de cabeza.

The medicine has a powerful/potent effect against the headache.

El orador tenía una voz poderosa que llenó todo el auditorio.

The speaker had a powerful voice that filled the entire auditorium.

Use with Non-Physical Strength

You can use 'poderoso' to describe things that have a strong impact on your senses or feelings, not just physical strength (e.g., a 'powerful argument' or a 'strong flavor').

violento

bee-oh-LEHN-tohbjoˈlento

AdjectiveB1general
Use 'violento' to describe intense emotions, severe pain, or powerful, destructive natural forces like wind or storms.
A storybook illustration of a person's face showing extreme distress or intense emotion, surrounded by swirling red and orange colors.

Examples

Tuvimos que parar el coche por el viento violento.

We had to stop the car because of the fierce/intense wind.

Sufrió un dolor de cabeza violento después del accidente.

He suffered a severe headache after the accident.

La reacción del mercado fue violenta tras el anuncio.

The market's reaction was drastic/intense after the announcement.

Describing Force

When used for things like weather or physical sensations, 'violento' means 'very strong' or 'extreme,' emphasizing the power or suddenness of the event.

tremenda

treh-MEN-dahtɾeˈmenda

adjectiveB1general
Use 'tremenda' to describe something very large in scale or intensity, like a huge line or a terrible situation.
A tiny mouse standing next to an enormous, towering piece of cheese.

Examples

Había una fila tremenda para entrar al concierto.

There was a huge line to get into the concert.

Tengo una sed tremenda después de correr.

I have an intense thirst after running.

Matching Feminine Words

Because this word ends in 'a', you must use it with feminine nouns (words like 'la casa', 'la idea', or 'la mujer').

profundo

proh-FOON-dohpɾoˈfundo

AdjectiveB2general
Use 'profundo' for emotions or effects that are deep, significant, and have a lasting impact, like a profound impression or deep sadness.
A single, large, brown owl sitting very still on a thick branch, looking contemplative and serious.

Examples

Su discurso causó una profunda impresión en la audiencia.

His speech made a profound impression on the audience.

El libro explora temas filosóficos muy profundos.

The book explores very deep philosophical themes.

Use with 'Ser'

Since 'profundo' describes an inherent quality (how serious or meaningful something is), it almost always uses the verb 'ser': 'La tristeza es profunda' (The sadness is profound).

cargado

kar-GAH-dohkaɾˈɣaðo

AdjectiveB1general
Use 'cargado' for strong flavors (like coffee or wine) or intense colors and scents.
A small cup of extremely dark, rich coffee emitting thick, intense steam, symbolizing strong flavor.

Examples

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.

subido

soo-BEE-dohsuˈβiðo

AdjectiveB1general
Use 'subido' specifically for intense or vivid colors and strong flavors.
A single, intensely vibrant crimson strawberry, highly saturated, isolated on a clean white background.

Examples

El diseñador usó un color verde subido para el fondo.

The designer used an intense green color for the background.

Los precios de la vivienda han estado muy subidos este año.

Housing prices have been very high this year.

Adjective Agreement

Like most Spanish adjectives, 'subido' must match the noun it describes in gender (subida) and number (subidos/subidas).

denso

DEHN-sohˈdenso

adjectiveB2general
Use 'denso' to describe a heavy or thick atmosphere, often used figuratively for a tense emotional situation or a complex topic.
A small person sitting next to a massive, towering stack of giant books.

Examples

Este libro es un poco denso, pero muy bueno.

This book is a bit heavy, but very good.

Tuvimos una conversación muy densa sobre política.

We had a very deep/intense conversation about politics.

La película se puso densa al final.

The movie got a bit slow and heavy at the end.

Describing People

When you call a person 'denso', you are saying they are difficult to deal with, intense, or talk too much about serious things.

Hard vs. Dense

Mistake: “El examen fue denso.”

Correction: El examen fue difícil. Use 'denso' when the content is packed with information, not just because it was hard to pass.

ardiendo

ar-DYEN-dohaɾˈðjen̪.do

AdjectiveB1general
Use 'ardiendo' when referring to a body part that is hot due to fever or intense emotion, literally 'burning'.
A simple illustration of a person's face (or child's face) with rosy red cheeks and visible sweat droplets, conveying the feeling of having a high fever or being burning hot.

Examples

Tenía la frente ardiendo por la fiebre.

His forehead was burning hot from the fever.

Sus palabras estaban ardiendo de rabia.

His words were blazing with rage (were full of intense anger).

El sol estaba ardiendo al mediodía.

The sun was scorching (burning hot) at noon.

Describing Intensity

When used as an adjective, 'ardiendo' often emphasizes extreme heat or extreme emotion, acting like an intensifier for the noun it modifies.

atroz

ah-TROHSaˈtɾos

adjectiveB2general
Use 'atroz' to describe extreme and unpleasant sensations, particularly intense cold or heat.
A dark, jagged storm cloud looming over a small, lonely, withered flower in a barren field.

Examples

Hacía un frío atroz en la cima de la montaña.

It was terribly cold at the top of the mountain.

Tengo un dolor de muelas atroz desde anoche.

I've had an excruciating toothache since last night.

Las noticias informaron sobre un crimen atroz en la ciudad.

The news reported on an atrocious crime in the city.

One Form for All Genders

This word doesn't change its ending for masculine or feminine nouns. You can say 'un hombre atroz' or 'una mujer atroz' and the word stays exactly the same.

The Z to C Plural Rule

When you want to describe more than one thing, the 'z' at the end of the word changes to a 'c' before you add the plural ending. One 'crimen atroz' becomes two 'crímenes atroces'.

Avoid 'Atroza'

Mistake: “La situación fue atroza.”

Correction: La situación fue atroz. (Because adjectives ending in 'z' don't have a separate feminine form).

Spelling the Plural

Mistake: “Sus actos fueron atrozes.”

Correction: Sus actos fueron atroces. (Spanish rules require changing Z to C when followed by an 'e').

furioso

foo-ree-OH-sofuˈɾjoso

adjectiveB2general
Use 'furioso' to describe the sea or weather that is raging or extremely violent, or to describe intense passion.
A simplified illustration of a violent, intense storm over the ocean, showing huge crashing waves and dark, swirling clouds.

Examples

El mar estaba furioso y nadie se atrevió a navegar.

The sea was fierce/raging and no one dared to sail.

Ganó la carrera con una velocidad furiosa.

He won the race with furious speed (great intensity/speed).

rabioso

rah-BYOH-sohraˈβjoso

adjectiveC1general
Use 'rabioso' to describe extreme hunger, thirst, or other intense physical sensations or feelings, often with a sense of urgency.
A bright, blazing sun with intense yellow and orange rays.

Examples

Tengo un hambre rabiosa.

I am starving (literally: I have an intense hunger).

El viento soplaba con una fuerza rabiosa.

The wind blew with a violent force.

Ese color verde rabioso es demasiado brillante.

That vivid green color is too bright.

vivido

vee-VEE-dohbiˈβi.ðo

AdjectiveB1general
Use 'vivido' to describe someone who is experienced and has lived a full, eventful life, implying a rich and intense past.
A close-up illustration of a kind, elderly person with a serene expression, holding a sturdy wooden walking stick. They look wise and calm.

Examples

Mi abuela es una mujer muy vivida y tiene consejos para todo.

My grandmother is a very worldly woman and has advice for everything.

Se nota que ha sido un viaje vivido, ¡mira esas fotos!

You can tell it was an intense trip; look at those photos!

Changing Forms

Like most Spanish adjectives, 'vivido' must match the person or thing it describes in gender and number: 'un hombre vivido' (experienced man) but 'unas personas vividas' (experienced people).

Intenso vs. Fuerte

Learners often confuse 'intenso' and 'fuerte' because both can mean 'strong'. Remember that 'intenso' is generally for powerful qualities or feelings, while 'fuerte' is more common for direct sensory experiences like taste, smell, or physical pain.

Related Translations

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