What it's NOT
formidable does NOT translate to formidable (estupendo).
To say "formidable (estupendo)" in English, use wonderful / great.
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False cognate · False friend
formidable
Does NOT mean formidable (estupendo)
It means intimidating / daunting
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
What it IS
formidable means intimidating / daunting.
Why it's confused
Spanish "formidable" is something impressive in a positive way, almost a synonym of excellent. English "formidable" carries a connotation of intimidating, powerful, and hard to overcome. A compliment in Spanish, a warning in English.
How it's pronounced
formidableFÓR-mi-da-bol
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Examples of correct use
English
They face a formidable opponent.
Spanish
Enfrentan a un rival temible.
English
A formidable challenge.
Spanish
Un reto imponente.
A trick to remember it
Formidable = intimidating/daunting. Amazing/wonderful (Spanish "formidable") = wonderful/great.
Mini quiz
"A formidable rival" is a rival who is...
Frequently asked questions
What does "formidable" mean in English?
"Formidable" means "intimidating / daunting". It looks a lot like "formidable", which is exactly why it gets confused, but they don't mean the same thing.
How do you say "formidable" in English?
To say "formidable" in English, use "wonderful / great". If you use "formidable" instead, you would actually be saying "intimidating / daunting".
Do "formidable" and "formidable" mean the same thing?
Spanish "formidable" is something impressive in a positive way, almost a synonym of excellent. English "formidable" carries a connotation of intimidating, powerful, and hard to overcome. A compliment in Spanish, a warning in English.
Other confusing false friends
More confusing false friends
Library, embarrassed, actually... the full list of words that look the same but mean something different.
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