How to Say "prominent" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “prominent” is “destacado” — use 'destacado' when referring to a person or thing that is exceptionally skilled, important, or stands out due to their achievements or qualities in a particular field.
destacado
des-ta-KAH-dodestaˈkaðo
Examples
Ella es una científica destacada en su campo.
She is an outstanding scientist in her field.
El edificio tiene una torre muy destacada.
The building has a very prominent tower.
Tuvo un papel destacado en la negociación.
He had a leading role in the negotiation.
Matching Gender and Number
Remember to change the ending to 'destacada' for feminine things and add an 's' for plural things (destacados/destacadas).
Placement after the Noun
In Spanish, we usually put this word after the person or thing you are describing to emphasize who they are.
Confusing with 'Detached'
Mistake: “Using 'destacado' to mean 'detached' from a group of friends.”
Correction: Use 'apartado' or 'separado'. 'Destacado' almost always means standing out because of quality or importance.
importante
eem-por-TAHN-tehimpoɾˈtante
Examples
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-tehreleˈβante
Examples
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-dohmaɾˈkaðo
Examples
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-dohsaˈliðo
Examples
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).
Destacado vs. Importante
Related Translations
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