Inklingo

How to Say "significant" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “significant” is “importante” — use 'importante' when referring to something that has great consequence, importance, or is generally considered a big deal..

English → Spanish

importante

/eem-por-TAHN-teh//impoɾˈtante/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'importante' when referring to something that has great consequence, importance, or is generally considered a big deal.
A massive, antique golden key resting prominently on a tall, sturdy stone pedestal, emphasizing its significance and value.

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-teh//releˈβante/

adjectiveB1general
Choose 'relevante' when something has a major impact, is pertinent, or has direct importance to a specific situation or topic.
A single puzzle piece that fits perfectly into a larger puzzle, highlighted in a bright color.

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.

notable

/noh-TAH-bleh//noˈtaβle/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'notable' to describe an amount, change, or quality that is large enough to be noticed or is worthy of remark.
A single bright yellow sunflower standing much taller than a field of small white daisies.

Examples

Hubo una mejoría notable en sus notas este trimestre.

There was a remarkable improvement in his grades this term.

La diferencia de precio es notable.

The difference in price is noticeable.

One Form for All

This word ends in -e, which means it stays the same whether you are describing a masculine or feminine person or thing. You say 'un cambio notable' and 'una mejoría notable'.

sensible

/sen-SEE-bleh//senˈsible/

adjectiveB2general
Employ 'sensible' when referring to an effect or change that is clear, measurable, and easily perceived.
A field of uniform green grass with one distinct, large patch of bright purple flowers that stands out clearly, representing a noticeable difference.

Examples

La empresa experimentó un aumento sensible en sus ventas después de la campaña.

The company experienced a noticeable increase in its sales after the campaign.

Hubo una mejora sensible en la calidad del sonido.

There was a significant improvement in sound quality.

Describing Data

This meaning is often used when discussing statistics, data, or technical results, emphasizing that the change is large enough to matter or be easily perceived.

razonable

rah-thoh-NAH-bleh (Spain) / rah-soh-NAH-bleh (L. Am.)/raθoˈnaβle/

adjectiveB2general
Use 'razonable' when referring to an effort, amount, or degree that is considerable, substantial, or fair, often implying it's appropriate for the situation.
A small, open wooden treasure chest overflowing with a massive, impressive mound of bright gold coins, representing a considerable quantity.

Examples

El proyecto requirió un esfuerzo razonable de todo el equipo.

The project required a considerable effort from the entire team.

Hemos visto un avance razonable en las negociaciones.

We have seen moderate/significant progress in the negotiations.

Quantifier

In this meaning, 'razonable' acts like a quantifier, emphasizing that the amount or degree was sufficient or impressive, not just 'sensible'.

Don't confuse 'importante' with 'relevante'

Learners often use 'importante' for everything, but 'relevante' is better when the significance is specific to a context or topic. Think of 'importante' as generally important, and 'relevante' as important *for* something.

Related Translations

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