Spanish Conversation · Level 5
88 words
Spanish word
potencia
Pronunciation
IPA/poˈtenθja/
Meaning
- feminine nounstrength
Example
La atleta mostró su potencia en la carrera.
The athlete showed her strength in the race.
More examples
La potencia del motor permitió subir la pendiente.
The power of the engine allowed it to climb the slope.
Core concept
Effective power, strength, or influence that a person, state, or thing can exert in a particular action.
Common phrases
potencia eléctrica
electrical power
potencia máxima
maximum output
potencia del motor
power of the engine
Similar words
fuerza: Physical strength or force in a person or object.
poder: Ability to influence people, events, or decisions.
energía: Amount of energy available to produce movement or work.
capacidad: Maximum limit of what a person or thing can do.
Definition in Spanish
Capacidad máxima o medida de fuerza o energía que puede desarrollar algo o alguien en una acción determinada.
Word origin
The word descends from Latin potentia, related to potens 'able' or 'powerful', and in Spanish extends from physical strength to effective influence or capability.
Usage tips
- False friend confusion with English potency is common, because potencia maps to 'power' or 'output' in many contexts while potency in English often suggests biological or chemical strength.
Other meanings
- outputnoun
Opposites
- debilidadweaknessnoun
- impotencialack of powernoun
Related words
- potenciarstrengthenverb
- potenciaciónstrengtheningnoun
- potenciadorstrengthenernoun