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formidable and Spanish formidable
In English
formidable
intimidating / daunting
In Spanish
formidable
estupendo
Spanish "formidable" means: wonderful / great
Why they get mixed up 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.
If you want to say...
- formidabletemible o imponente
- greatformidable (elogio)
- frighteningtemible
Examples
They face a formidable opponent.
Enfrentan a un rival temible.
A formidable challenge.
Un reto imponente.
The team faced a formidable task.
El equipo enfrentó una tarea imponente.
She is a formidable lawyer.
Es una abogada temible.
Common mistakes in Spanish
Incorrect: La película fue formidable, nadie durmió del susto.
Correct: La película fue aterradora, nadie durmió del susto.
Formidable in Spanish is usually a compliment: great or wonderful.
Incorrect: Tiene un carácter formidable y da miedo.
Correct: Tiene un carácter imponente y da miedo.
Use imponente or temible for formidable in the English sense.
Phrases you will hear
- a formidable opponentun rival temible
- a formidable challengeun desafío imponente
- a formidable taskuna tarea enorme
- formidable skillshabilidades impresionantes
- greatestupendo
- wonderfulmaravilloso
In a conversation
- A:
She faced a formidable opponent.
Se enfrentó a una rival temible.
- B:
Did she win?
¿Ganó?
- A:
Yes, it was a formidable challenge.
Sí, fue un desafío enorme.
- B:
In Spanish, formidable means wonderful.
En español, formidable significa maravilloso.
Test yourself
"A formidable rival" is a rival who is...
To remember it
Formidable = intimidating/daunting. Amazing/wonderful (Spanish "formidable") = wonderful/great.
Frequently asked questions
What does Spanish "formidable" mean?
Spanish "formidable" means "wonderful / great". It looks like the English "formidable", which is exactly why it gets confused, but "formidable" means "intimidating / daunting".
Does English "formidable" mean the same as Spanish "formidable"?
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.