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How to Say "potential" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “potential” is “potencial” — use 'potencial' as an adjective when describing something that might happen or exist as a possibility, like a risk or a future scenario..

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potencial

poh-ten-SYAL/po.tenˈsjal/

adjectiveB1
Use 'potencial' as an adjective when describing something that might happen or exist as a possibility, like a risk or a future scenario.
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.)

potencial

poh-ten-SYAL/po.tenˈsjal/

nounB2
Use 'potencial' as a noun to talk about a person's or thing's inherent capacity for growth, 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.)

posibles

poh-SEE-blehs/poˈsi.βles/

adjectiveA1
Use 'posibles' when referring to multiple options, choices, or outcomes that could occur, functioning like 'possible' in English.
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'.)

promesa

proh-MEH-sah/pɾoˈmesa/

nounB1
Use 'promesa' when referring to something or someone that shows great future capability or is expected to achieve future success, implying a promise of good things to come.
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-rah/maˈðeɾa/

nounB2informal
Use 'madera' to describe someone's natural talent or innate aptitude, often used idiomatically to mean 'has what it takes' or 'the makings of'.
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.

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).

Confusing Innate Ability vs. Future Capacity

Learners often confuse 'madera' (innate talent) and 'potencial' (capacity for development). While both relate to future success, 'madera' implies a natural, inborn quality, whereas 'potencial' refers to a more general capacity that can be developed.

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