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"Famoso" is an adjective which is often translated as "famous", and "insigne" is an adjective which is often translated as "distinguished". Learn more about the difference between "famoso" and "insigne" below.
famoso(
fah
-
moh
-
soh
)
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
adjective
a. famous
Antes de convertirse en un actor famoso, era carpintero.Before becoming a famous actor, he worked as a carpenter.
b. well-known
Soy un músico famoso en la escena local.I am a well-known musician on the local scene.
This means that the noun can be masculine or feminine, depending on the gender of the noun it refers to (e.g., el doctor, la doctora).
masculine or feminine noun
a. celebrity
Muchos famosos tienen mansiones junto al mar.Many celebrities own seaside mansions.
b. famous person
¿Viste algún famoso mientras estuviste en Los Ángeles?Did you see any famous people while you were in Los Angeles?
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insigne(
een
-
seeg
-
neh
)
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
adjective
a. distinguished
Borges es, sin duda, uno de los más insignes escritores del mundo de habla hispana.Borges is, without a doubt, one of the most distinguished writers of the Spanish-speaking world.
b. notable
La conferencia está dedicada a la obra del insigne lingüista colombiano, Rufino J. Cuervo.The conference is devoted to the work of the notable Colombian linguist, Rufino J. Cuervo.
c. famous
En los jardines del campus, hay una pieza del insigne escultor Henry Moore.In the campus gardens, there's a piece by the famous sculptor Herny Moore.
Copyright © 2026 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.