Inklingo

How to Say "substantial" in Spanish

English → Spanish

generoso

heh-neh-ROH-sohxe.neˈɾo.so

adjectiveB1general
Use 'generoso' when referring to a generous portion or amount of something, often implying a positive or abundant quality.
A high quality storybook illustration of a small bowl piled high with an excessively large, overflowing portion of colorful scoops of ice cream.

Examples

El camarero nos sirvió un trozo de pastel muy generoso.

The waiter served us a very generous slice of cake (a large one).

Recibimos una donación generosa para nuestro proyecto de investigación.

We received a generous donation (a large amount) for our research project.

Using 'Generoso' for Things

When 'generoso' describes a thing (like a portion or a budget), it means the amount is large or plentiful. It carries the same positive feeling as describing a person.

sustancial

soos-tahn-SYALsustanˈsjal

adjectiveB1general
Use 'sustancial' when describing a significant or important amount, degree, or change, focusing on impact or magnitude.
A large, tall stack of gold coins sitting on a wooden table.

Examples

Hubo un cambio sustancial en los resultados del examen.

There was a substantial change in the exam results.

Recibió una mejora sustancial en su salario este mes.

He received a significant improvement in his salary this month.

No hay una diferencia sustancial entre estas dos opciones.

There is no substantial difference between these two options.

One form for both genders

Adjectives ending in '-l' like 'sustancial' don't change for masculine or feminine nouns. You can say 'un cambio sustancial' (masculine) or 'una mejora sustancial' (feminine).

Placement for emphasis

While it usually comes after the noun, putting it before (un sustancial cambio) makes it sound more poetic or formal.

Confusing with 'sustancioso'

Mistake: “Comí una cena muy sustancial.”

Correction: Comí una cena muy sustancioso.

respetable

rreh-speh-TAH-blehrespeˈtaβle

adjectiveB2general
Choose 'respetable' when indicating a large or considerable quantity that commands notice or respect, often for its size.
A very large, overflowing basket of colorful ripe fruit sitting on a wooden table.

Examples

Había una cantidad respetable de gente en el concierto.

There was a considerable amount of people at the concert.

Llevaban una velocidad respetable.

They were traveling at a substantial speed.

Generoso vs. Sustancial

Learners often confuse 'generoso' and 'sustancial'. Remember, 'generoso' is usually for a large, often positive, portion or amount (like food), while 'sustancial' refers to a significant change or a large degree of something abstract, like results.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.