Inklingo

How to Say "notorious" in Spanish

English → Spanish

buscado

boo-SKAH-doh/busˈkaðo/

AdjectiveB2General
Use 'buscado' when referring to someone or something that is highly desired or in demand, often in a professional or talent context, implying a positive kind of 'notoriety'.
A shiny, highly desirable red toy car resting on a pedestal, with several children lining up and pointing at it, showing it is sought-after.

Examples

Este ingeniero es muy buscado por todas las empresas tecnológicas.

This engineer is highly sought-after by all the tech companies.

Es un talento muy buscado en el mundo de la música.

He is a very sought-after talent in the music world.

La policía capturó al criminal más buscado del país.

The police captured the country's most wanted criminal.

Las flores más buscadas son las rosas rojas.

The most desired flowers are red roses.

Adjective Agreement

When 'buscado' describes a noun, it must match the noun's gender and number. Examples: 'el libro buscado' (m. sing.), 'la joya buscada' (f. sing.), 'los artículos buscados' (m. plural).

famoso

fah-MOH-soh/faˈmoso/

AdjectiveA1General
Use 'famoso' when referring to someone who is widely known, and the context implies this fame is for negative or controversial reasons, fitting the negative connotation of 'notorious'.
A single person standing on a small wooden stage, brightly lit by a focused beam of light from above, symbolizing being well-known.

Examples

El político es famoso por sus escándalos.

The politician is notorious for his scandals.

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.)

'Buscado' vs. 'Famoso' for 'Notorious'

Learners often confuse 'buscado' and 'famoso' because both mean 'known'. Remember that 'buscado' implies being sought after (often positively), while 'famoso' can mean notorious, but only when the context clearly indicates negative renown.

Related Translations

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