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How to Say "significance" in Spanish

English → Spanish

importancia

im-por-TAN-sia/im.porˈtan.sja/

nounB1general
Use 'importancia' when referring to the general weight, consequence, or relevance of something, often in a practical or objective sense.
A brightly glowing golden key resting on a tall marble pedestal, symbolizing its significance, surrounded by small, dull grey rocks.

Examples

La decisión del comité tuvo mucha importancia para el futuro de la empresa.

The committee's decision had a lot of importance for the company's future.

La reunión de hoy tiene mucha importancia para el proyecto.

Today's meeting has a lot of importance for the project.

No le des tanta importancia a ese pequeño error.

Don't give so much importance to that small mistake.

Para mí, la familia es lo que tiene más importancia.

For me, family is what has the most significance.

Feminine Noun Rule

Remember that 'importancia' is a feminine word, so you must use feminine words with it: 'mucha importancia', 'la importancia'.

Using 'de importancia'

You can use 'de importancia' (of importance) as an adjective phrase to describe nouns, like 'un tema de importancia' (an important topic).

Using 'Importante' as a Noun

Mistake: “La importante de la reunión es el presupuesto.”

Correction: La importancia de la reunión es el presupuesto. (The quality of being important is 'importancia', while 'importante' is the adjective.)

significado

sig-ni-fi-KAH-doh/siɣnifiˈkaðo/

nounB1general
Choose 'significado' when the emphasis is on the deeper meaning, symbolic value, or historical relevance of something.
A bright golden crown sits prominently on a tall, simple stone pedestal, illuminated by a single spotlight, symbolizing importance and significance.

Examples

El descubrimiento de la tumba tiene un gran significado arqueológico.

The discovery of the tomb has great archaeological significance.

El evento tuvo un gran significado histórico para la región.

The event had great historical significance for the region.

Su presencia en la reunión carecía de significado.

His presence at the meeting lacked significance (was unimportant).

Analizamos el significado profundo de sus palabras.

We analyzed the profound significance of his words.

Using 'Tener' (To Have)

To express that something is important, you often use the verb tener (to have): 'Esto tiene mucho significado' (This has a lot of significance).

valor

vah-LOR/baˈloɾ/

nounA2general
Use 'valor' when referring to the inherent worth, importance, or monetary value of an object or concept.
A single, large, perfectly cut, sparkling diamond resting on a red velvet cushion, symbolizing worth or importance.

Examples

No subestimes el valor de un buen consejo.

Don't underestimate the value of good advice.

¿Cuál es el valor real de esta joya antigua?

What is the real value of this antique jewel?

El valor del dólar subió hoy.

The value of the dollar went up today.

Ese gesto tiene un gran valor sentimental para mí.

That gesture has great sentimental value for me.

Always Masculine

Since 'valor' is a masculine noun, remember to use the masculine articles: 'el valor' or 'un valor'.

Valor vs. Precio

Mistake: “No entendemos el valor.”

Correction: No entendemos el precio. (Use 'precio' specifically when asking about the ticket/tag price; use 'valor' for abstract or intrinsic worth.)

Importancia vs. Significado

Learners often confuse 'importancia' and 'significado'. Use 'importancia' for general relevance or consequence, like the importance of a meeting. Use 'significado' for deeper, symbolic, or historical meaning, like the significance of an event.

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