poderoso

Poderoso is a Spanish adjective that denotes power, strength, or influence. It can describe physical strength, material resources, political authority, or broad impact. The word agrees in gender and number: poderoso (masculine singular), poderosa (feminine singular); poderosos (masculine plural), poderosas (feminine plural). It derives from poder, meaning to be able, with the suffix -oso; its etymology traces back to Latin potens, from which the English word potent is also derived.

In usage, poderoso appears in everyday language to emphasize capability or authority and can describe people, objects, or institutions with notable strength or influence. In religious contexts, phrases such as el Todopoderoso or el Poderoso are used to refer to God or a supreme power. The term also features in literature and proverbs, where it can convey social clout linked to wealth, status, or force. A well-known example is the proverb "Poderoso caballero es Don Dinero," which comments on the power of wealth.

As a proper noun, poderoso can appear in titles, nicknames, or place names, but this is less common than its ordinary adjectival use. In modern usage across Spanish-speaking regions, poder / poderoso is widely understood with nuances determined by context, ranging from physical might to political or social influence.

Translation into English depends on context, and opciones include "powerful," "mighty," "influential," or "dominant." The term also forms common compound expressions and idioms that reflect different facets of power in everyday speech.