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"Potente" is an adjective which is often translated as "powerful", and "poderoso" is an adjective which is also often translated as "powerful". Learn more about the difference between "potente" and "poderoso" below.
potente(
poh
-
tehn
-
teh
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
2. (mighty)
a. powerful
Hoy comienza la reunión de los gobernantes más potentes del planeta.The meeting of the most powerful rulers on the planet begins today.
3. (masculine)
a. virile
Ese actor me parece un hombre muy potente y sexy.I think that actor is a very virile and sexy man.
poderoso(
poh
-
deh
-
roh
-
soh
)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).
a. powerful person
Los poderosos a menudo se aprovechan de los pobres.Powerful people often take advantage of the poor.