Inklingo

How to Say "potential" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “potential” is “potencial” — use this when referring to something that is possible or exists as a latent quality, like a risk or a future event that is not yet certain.

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potencial

poh-ten-SYALpo.tenˈsjal

adjectiveB1general
Use this when referring to something that is possible or exists as a latent quality, like a risk or a future event that is not yet certain.
A simple illustration of a small brown seed resting in dark earth, with a faint green outline indicating the plant that will grow from it.

Examples

Existe un riesgo potencial de inundación en la zona baja.

There is a potential risk of flooding in the low area.

Necesitamos identificar a los clientes potenciales.

We need to identify the potential clients.

El joven tiene un gran potencial para la música.

The young man has great potential for music.

Debemos aprovechar el potencial de la energía solar.

We must harness the potential of solar energy.

Always Ends in -al

The adjective 'potencial' is special because it works for both masculine and feminine nouns, and it always ends in '-al' (e.g., el riesgo potencial, la amenaza potencial).

It's Always Masculine

When used as a noun meaning 'capacity' or 'capability,' 'potencial' is always masculine: 'el potencial'.

Don't Change the Ending for Gender

Mistake: “La amenaza potenciala.”

Correction: La amenaza potencial. (The ending does not change to match the feminine noun.)

Using the Feminine Article

Mistake: “La potencial de la empresa.”

Correction: El potencial de la empresa. (Remember to use 'el' because 'potencial' as a noun is masculine.)

posibles

poh-SEE-blehspoˈsi.βles

adjectiveA1general
Use this when you are talking about all the different options or outcomes that could happen or be considered.
A visual representation of multiple choices: three distinct, open paths diverging from a single starting point on a green landscape.

Examples

Queremos explorar todas las rutas posibles para llegar a tiempo.

We want to explore all the possible routes to arrive on time.

Hay varios problemas posibles con ese plan.

There are several possible problems with that plan.

Los efectos secundarios posibles están listados en el prospecto.

The possible side effects are listed in the leaflet.

Agreement Rule

As an adjective, 'posibles' must match the noun it describes in number. Since it ends in '-es', it is always used with plural nouns (like 'ideas' or 'cambios').

Using the Singular Form

Mistake: “Busquemos soluciones posible.”

Correction: Busquemos soluciones posibles. (The adjective must be plural to match the plural noun 'soluciones'.)

potencial

poh-ten-SYALpo.tenˈsjal

nounB2general
Use this when referring to someone's natural ability or capacity for future development or success.
A simple illustration of a small brown seed resting in dark earth, with a faint green outline indicating the plant that will grow from it.

Examples

El joven tiene un gran potencial para la música.

The young man has great potential for music.

Existe un riesgo potencial de inundación en la zona baja.

There is a potential risk of flooding in the low area.

Necesitamos identificar a los clientes potenciales.

We need to identify the potential clients.

Debemos aprovechar el potencial de la energía solar.

We must harness the potential of solar energy.

Always Ends in -al

The adjective 'potencial' is special because it works for both masculine and feminine nouns, and it always ends in '-al' (e.g., el riesgo potencial, la amenaza potencial).

It's Always Masculine

When used as a noun meaning 'capacity' or 'capability,' 'potencial' is always masculine: 'el potencial'.

Don't Change the Ending for Gender

Mistake: “La amenaza potenciala.”

Correction: La amenaza potencial. (The ending does not change to match the feminine noun.)

Using the Feminine Article

Mistake: “La potencial de la empresa.”

Correction: El potencial de la empresa. (Remember to use 'el' because 'potencial' as a noun is masculine.)

eventual

eh-ben-too-ahlebenˈtual

adjectiveC1general
Choose this when referring to something that might happen in the future, often implying a need for preparation.
A person standing at a fork in a forest path, looking at two different trails leading into the trees.

Examples

Debemos prepararnos para un eventual retraso del vuelo.

We must prepare for a possible flight delay.

El plan cubre cualquier eventual pérdida de datos.

The plan covers any potential loss of data.

Estamos listos para una eventual emergencia.

We are ready for a possible emergency.

Used Before the Noun

When 'eventual' means 'possible' or 'potential' in a formal way, it often comes before the noun (e.g., 'una eventual crisis').

promesa

proh-MEH-sahpɾoˈmesa

nounB1general
Use this when talking about something or someone that shows great future capability or is expected to be very successful.
A happy, small child looking up with excitement while holding a tiny, brightly glowing yellow star in their hands, symbolizing future potential.

Examples

Dicen que esta nueva tecnología es la promesa del futuro.

They say this new technology holds the promise of the future.

La joven pianista es considerada una promesa de la música clásica.

The young pianist is considered a rising star (a promise) of classical music.

Using 'de'

When describing what the potential is for, use the preposition 'de' (of): 'promesa de la ciencia' (a promise of science).

madera

mah-DEH-rahmaˈðeɾa

nounB2informal
Use this informal term when describing someone who has a natural talent or aptitude for something, meaning they have the 'makings' of success.
A tiny, vibrant green seedling pushing strongly out of rich dark soil, bathed in a soft, bright light.

Examples

Este joven tiene madera de campeón.

This young person has the makings of a champion (or: champion potential).

Creo que tienes madera para ser un gran jefe.

I think you have the potential to be a great boss.

Al principio dudaba, pero demostró tener mucha madera para el baile.

At first, I doubted it, but she showed she had a lot of talent for dancing.

Figurative Use

This meaning is almost always used in the construction 'tener madera de...' (to have the wood/stuff of...) followed by the role or goal, like 'campeón' or 'artista'.

Using 'la' or 'una'

Mistake: “Decir 'Tiene la madera para ser doctor.'”

Correction: When used figuratively, 'madera' usually does NOT take the definite article 'la'. Say: 'Tiene madera para ser doctor.' (He has the potential to be a doctor).

Potencial vs. Eventual vs. Posibles

Learners often confuse 'potencial' (adjective), 'eventual', and 'posibles'. Remember that 'potencial' (adj.) refers to a latent quality or possibility, 'eventual' implies something that may happen and requires preparation, and 'posibles' refers to multiple available options or outcomes.

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