Inklingo

How to Say "strong" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “strong” is “fuerte” — use 'fuerte' for general physical strength, intense tastes or smells, and emotional or mental resilience..

fuerte🔊A1

Use 'fuerte' for general physical strength, intense tastes or smells, and emotional or mental resilience.

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poderoso🔊A2

Use 'poderoso' to describe someone with great influence or capability, or a very potent substance like glue.

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firmes🔊A2

Use 'firmes' to describe something physically solid, stable, or mentally resolute.

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cargado🔊B1

Use 'cargado' specifically for strong flavors or drinks, especially coffee.

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intenso🔊B1

Use 'intenso' to describe very strong sensations like heat, light, or powerful flavors.

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sólidoB1

Use 'sólido' for strong, well-supported arguments, plans, or relationships.

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marcado🔊B1

Use 'marcado' to describe a very noticeable or distinct accent, flavor, or characteristic.

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macho🔊B1

Use 'macho' informally for objects or people that are tough, durable, or capable of withstanding stress.

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subido🔊B1

Use 'subido' to describe an intense or high level of a color, flavor, or smell.

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English → Spanish

fuerte

/FWER-teh//ˈfweɾte/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'fuerte' for general physical strength, intense tastes or smells, and emotional or mental resilience.
A cartoon illustration of a strong man easily lifting a massive, heavy barbell over his head.

Examples

Mi hermano es muy fuerte, levanta pesas todos los días.

My brother is very strong, he lifts weights every day.

Necesitamos una cuerda más fuerte para escalar.

We need a stronger rope to climb.

Este queso tiene un sabor muy fuerte.

This cheese has a very strong flavor.

La música está demasiado fuerte, no puedo oírte.

The music is too loud, I can't hear you.

Same for Masculine & Feminine

Good news! 'Fuerte' doesn't change for masculine or feminine things. You say 'el hombre fuerte' (the strong man) and 'la mujer fuerte' (the strong woman). It only changes for plural: 'los hombres fuertes'.

'Ser' vs. 'Estar' Fuerte

Mistake: “Using 'ser' when you mean someone is looking physically fit right now.”

Correction: Use 'ser fuerte' for someone's general character or nature (He is a strong person). Use 'estar fuerte' to say someone is physically fit or looks muscular (Wow, you're looking strong!).

poderoso

poh-deh-ROH-soh/poðeˈɾoso/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'poderoso' to describe someone with great influence or capability, or a very potent substance like glue.
A muscular strongman easily lifting a gigantic barbell above his head with one hand.

Examples

El presidente es un hombre muy poderoso en este país.

The president is a very powerful man in this country.

Las olas del océano eran poderosas después de la tormenta.

The ocean waves were mighty/powerful after the storm.

La empresa tecnológica se ha convertido en una fuerza poderosa en el mercado global.

The technology company has become a powerful force in the global market.

El pegamento que usó es tan poderoso que no puedo separar las piezas.

The glue he used is so strong/potent that I can't separate the pieces.

Adjective Agreement

Remember that 'poderoso' must match the noun it describes in gender and number. Examples: 'mujer poderosa' (powerful woman), 'ejércitos poderosos' (powerful armies).

Use with Non-Physical Strength

You can use 'poderoso' to describe things that have a strong impact on your senses or feelings, not just physical strength (e.g., a 'powerful argument' or a 'strong flavor').

Using 'poder' instead of 'poderoso'

Mistake: “La nación es mucho poder.”

Correction: La nación es muy poderosa. ('Poder' means 'power' or 'to be able to'; 'poderoso' is the description, the adjective.)

firmes

FEER-mesˈfiɾmes

adjectiveA2general
Use 'firmes' to describe something physically solid, stable, or mentally resolute.
A massive, smooth, gray boulder resting firmly and solidly on flat green ground, illustrating stability.

Examples

Las bases de la estatua son muy firmes.

The bases of the statue are very firm (solid).

Se mantuvieron firmes en sus convicciones a pesar de la presión.

They remained resolute in their convictions despite the pressure.

¡Pongan los pies firmes! Vamos a empezar a marchar.

Put your feet steady! We are going to start marching.

Plural Adjective Agreement

Since 'firmes' is the plural form of the adjective 'firme,' it must be used with plural nouns, regardless of gender (e.g., 'los pilares firmes' or 'las ideas firmes').

cargado

kar-GAH-doh/kaɾˈɣaðo/

adjectiveB1informal
Use 'cargado' specifically for strong flavors or drinks, especially coffee.
A small cup of extremely dark, rich coffee emitting thick, intense steam, symbolizing strong flavor.

Examples

Necesito un café bien cargado para empezar el día.

I need a really strong coffee to start the day.

El vestido tiene un color rojo muy cargado.

The dress has a very intense red color.

intenso

een-TEHN-soh/inˈtenso/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'intenso' to describe very strong sensations like heat, light, or powerful flavors.
A close-up of a brilliant, highly saturated red and orange flame burning strongly and powerfully.

Examples

El calor este verano ha sido muy intenso.

The heat this summer has been very intense/strong.

Necesitas una luz más intensa para poder leer en la noche.

You need a more intense light to be able to read at night.

El entrenamiento de hoy fue realmente intenso.

Today's workout was really intense.

Adjective Agreement

Like most Spanish adjectives, 'intenso' must change to match the thing it describes. If you talk about 'la lluvia' (feminine), you must say 'la lluvia intensa'.

sólido

adjectiveB1general
Use 'sólido' for strong, well-supported arguments, plans, or relationships.

Examples

Ella tiene un argumento muy sólido.

She has a very solid argument.

marcado

mar-KAH-doh/maɾˈkaðo/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'marcado' to describe a very noticeable or distinct accent, flavor, or characteristic.
A large, bright red flower stands out prominently among many small blue flowers in a field.

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.)

macho

/MAH-choh//ˈmatʃo/

adjectiveB1informal
Use 'macho' informally for objects or people that are tough, durable, or capable of withstanding stress.
A large, sturdy oak tree with thick roots holding firm against a strong wind.

Examples

Ese tornillo es más macho, aguantará más peso.

That screw is tougher, it will hold more weight.

Fue muy macho al enfrentarse solo al problema.

He was very brave/tough in facing the problem alone.

subido

soo-BEE-doh/suˈβiðo/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'subido' to describe an intense or high level of a color, flavor, or smell.
A single, intensely vibrant crimson strawberry, highly saturated, isolated on a clean white background.

Examples

El diseñador usó un color verde subido para el fondo.

The designer used an intense green color for the background.

Los precios de la vivienda han estado muy subidos este año.

Housing prices have been very high this year.

Adjective Agreement

Like most Spanish adjectives, 'subido' must match the noun it describes in gender (subida) and number (subidos/subidas).

Fuerte vs. Poderoso

Learners often confuse 'fuerte' and 'poderoso'. Remember 'fuerte' is the general word for strength (physical, emotional, taste), while 'poderoso' implies influence, capability, or a potent effect, like powerful leadership or strong glue.

Related Translations

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