Inklingo

How to Say "to predominate" in Spanish

English → Spanish

predominar

/pray-doh-mee-NAR//pɾeðomiˈnaɾ/

verbB2general
Use this when one thing is clearly more frequent, noticeable, or visually dominant than others, especially in a physical space or composition.
A field of many bright red flowers with only a few small white flowers scattered among them.

Examples

En esta pintura predominan los tonos azules y verdes.

In this painting, blue and green tones stand out the most.

En el norte del país, predomina un clima muy frío.

In the north of the country, a very cold climate prevails.

A pesar de la discusión, predominó el sentido común.

Despite the argument, common sense prevailed.

Using the preposition 'en'

To say where something is most common, use 'en'. For example: 'Predomina en la región' (It predominates in the region).

Regular AR verb

Good news! This verb follows the exact same pattern as 'hablar'. You don't have to worry about any weird spelling changes.

Don't confuse with 'dominar'

Mistake: “Él predomina tres idiomas.”

Correction: Él domina tres idiomas. Use 'dominar' for mastering a skill or controlling a person; use 'predominar' for when something is the most frequent or visible element in a group.

prevalecer

/pre-bah-leh-SEHR//pɾeβaleˈθeɾ/

verbB2general
Choose this when something, often an idea, force, or outcome, is expected to win out or be the strongest in the long run, despite opposition.
A small green sprout growing successfully through a crack in a hard gray pavement.

Examples

Al final, la verdad siempre prevalecerá sobre la mentira.

In the end, the truth will always prevail over the lie.

En esta región suelen prevalecer los vientos del norte.

In this region, north winds tend to predominate.

Debemos dejar que el sentido común prevalezca en esta discusión.

We must let common sense prevail in this discussion.

The 'ZC' Spelling Change

For the 'I' form (yo) in the present and all of the 'wishes and commands' form (subjunctive), the 'c' changes to 'zc'. This helps keep the soft 's' sound before an 'o' or 'a'.

Using the preposition 'sobre'

When you want to say one thing wins out 'over' another, use the word 'sobre' right after the verb.

Misspelling the 'Yo' form

Mistake: “Yo prevaleco.”

Correction: Yo prevalezco. Remember that verbs ending in -ecer usually add a 'z' before the 'c' in the first person.

primar

/pree-MAHR//pɾiˈmaɾ/

verbB2general
Use this when something is the most important feature or characteristic, the one that should take precedence or be given priority.
A single bright red apple standing tall in the center, surrounded by smaller, dull grey pebbles.

Examples

En este diseño debe primar la sencillez.

In this design, simplicity must prevail.

Los intereses personales no pueden primar sobre el bien común.

Personal interests cannot take precedence over the common good.

En la decisión final primó el criterio económico.

The economic criteria was the deciding factor in the final decision.

Using 'sobre' for comparison

When you want to say one thing is more important than another, use the word 'sobre' after 'primar'.

Abstract Subjects

This verb is almost always used with abstract concepts like 'quality', 'safety', or 'interests' as the main focus.

Confusing with 'primero'

Mistake: “Es primar que lleguemos tarde.”

Correction: Es mejor que lleguemos primero.

Predominar vs. Primar

Learners often confuse 'predominar' and 'primar'. Remember that 'predominar' describes what is most frequent or visually obvious, while 'primar' indicates what is most important or should be prioritized.

Related Translations

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