How to Say "prominent" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “prominent” is “importante” — use 'importante' when referring to something or someone that has significance, influence, or high status..
importante
/eem-por-TAHN-teh//impoɾˈtante/
Examples
Es un científico muy importante en su campo.
He is a very prominent scientist in his field.
Es muy importante estudiar.
It's very important to study.
Tengo una reunión importante mañana.
I have an important meeting tomorrow.
Él es una figura importante en la política local.
He is an important figure in local politics.
Same for Everyone
Importante ends in '-e', which is great news! It means you use the same form for both masculine and feminine things. For example: 'el libro importante' (the important book) and 'la casa importante' (the important house).
Placement is Key
Usually, importante comes after the thing it describes, just like in English. For example, 'una reunión importante' (an important meeting). Placing it before ('una importante reunión') adds a bit of emphasis or a more formal tone.
Your Go-To Verb: 'ser'
To say something is important, you'll almost always use the verb 'ser'. For example, 'Ser honesto es importante' (Being honest is important).
The 'Es importante que...' Rule
Mistake: “Es importante que tú estudias mucho.”
Correction: Es importante que tú estudies mucho. When you say it's important for *someone else* to do something, the verb that follows needs a special ending. This is a huge pattern in Spanish!
relevante
/reh-leh-BAHN-teh//releˈβante/
Examples
Tu contribución ha sido muy relevante para el éxito del proyecto.
Your contribution has been very prominent to the project's success.
Tu opinión es muy relevante para este proyecto.
Your opinion is very relevant to this project.
No encontré ninguna información relevante en el informe.
I didn't find any relevant information in the report.
Es un cambio pequeño, pero relevante.
It's a small but significant change.
One ending for all
This word is the same whether you are talking about a man, a woman, a masculine object, or a feminine object. It always ends in -e.
Mistaking with 'Importante'
Mistake: “Using 'importante' when you specifically mean 'connected to the topic.'”
Correction: While 'importante' works for general importance, use 'relevante' to show that something specifically applies to the current situation or discussion.
marcado
mar-KAH-doh/maɾˈkaðo/
Examples
Tiene un sentido del humor muy marcado.
He has a very prominent sense of humor.
Tiene un acento gallego muy marcado.
He has a very strong Galician accent.
Su estilo de vestir es muy marcado y elegante.
Her style of dress is very distinct and elegant.
Después de tanto ejercicio, sus abdominales están muy marcados.
After so much exercise, his abs are very defined.
Agreement is Key
As an adjective, 'marcado' must change its ending to match the thing it describes in both gender (-o/-a) and number (singular/plural).
Forgetting Feminine/Plural Forms
Mistake: “La diferencia fue muy marcado.”
Correction: La diferencia fue muy marcada. (Because 'diferencia' is feminine.)
salido
/sah-LEE-doh//saˈliðo/
Examples
El golpe le dejó un bulto salido en la frente.
The blow left him with a prominent lump on his forehead.
Tiene un hueso salido en el codo después de la caída.
He has a protruding bone in his elbow after the fall.
La costilla del animal se veía muy salida.
The animal's rib looked very prominent (sticking out).
Describing Physical State
Use 'estar' (to be) with 'salido' to describe a temporary or noticeable physical state: 'El ojo está salido' (The eye is bulging).
Abstract vs. Physical Prominence
Related Translations
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