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B2 adjective 15 min read

notable

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips notable in 30 Seconds

Explanation notable in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting your journey with Spanish. You might not use the word 'notable' very often yourself, but it's good to recognize it. Think of 'notable' as a way to say 'very good' or 'important'. Imagine you are in a Spanish class and your teacher gives you a grade. In Spain, 'notable' is a grade that means you did a great job! It's better than just passing ('aprobado'). You can also use it to describe something that is easy to see, like a 'notable' difference between two colors. At this level, focus on the fact that 'notable' describes things that stand out. It doesn't change if you are talking about a boy or a girl thing (it's always 'notable'), but it does add an 's' for plural things ('notables'). It's a 'power-up' word for when 'bueno' (good) isn't enough. For example, if you see a very big and beautiful building, you could say it is a 'notable' building. This shows you are learning more than just the basic words! Don't worry about the complex meanings yet; just remember it means 'remarkable' or 'a good grade'.

As an A2 learner, you can start using 'notable' to make your descriptions more interesting. Instead of always saying 'muy grande' (very big) or 'muy importante' (very important), you can use 'notable'. It helps you sound more natural. You will hear this word when people talk about changes. For instance, if you have been practicing Spanish every day, your teacher might say you have a 'notable' improvement. This means they can clearly see how much better you are doing. You can also use it to describe people who are important in a town or a story. In your writing, try using 'notable' to describe the main features of a place you visited. For example, 'La ciudad tiene una notable catedral' (The city has a notable cathedral). This sounds much more sophisticated than just saying 'una catedral grande'. Remember, in the Spanish school system, a 'notable' is like getting a 7 or 8 out of 10. It's a very respectable score. If you get a 'notable' on a test, you should be proud! Keep practicing how to use it with both singular and plural nouns.

By the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'notable' in both formal and informal contexts. You are now moving beyond simple descriptions and starting to express opinions and observations. 'Notable' is a perfect word for this. You can use it to talk about social issues, trends, or personal achievements. For example, 'Hay una notable falta de parques en este barrio' (There is a notable lack of parks in this neighborhood). Here, 'notable' emphasizes that the problem is obvious and significant. You should also be aware of the adverbial form 'notablemente'. You can use it to describe how something changes: 'El precio de la vivienda ha subido notablemente' (Housing prices have risen notably). This adds precision to your speaking and writing. At B1, you are also expected to understand the academic system in Spain better. Knowing that 'notable' is a specific grade helps you understand conversations about school or university. You might also see 'notable' in news articles describing 'personas notables' (prominent people). It's a useful word for discussing history or current events.

At the B2 level, 'notable' should be a regular part of your vocabulary. You are expected to handle more complex topics and provide detailed explanations. 'Notable' allows you to highlight specific points in an argument or analysis. In professional or academic writing, you can use it to describe 'notables diferencias' (notable differences) between data sets or theories. It shows that you can distinguish between what is trivial and what is significant. You should also understand the nuance between 'notable' and its synonyms like 'destacado' or 'significativo'. For instance, 'destacado' is often used for people who are prominent in their field, while 'notable' is used for the qualities or changes themselves. You can use 'notable' to add emphasis without sounding too emotional. Phrases like 'Es notable que...' (It is notable that...) are very useful for introducing important observations in essays. You should also be comfortable using 'notable' as a noun to refer to influential members of society. This level requires you to use the word accurately in terms of agreement and placement, and 'notable' is a great word to demonstrate your command of Spanish adjectives.

For C1 learners, 'notable' is a tool for precision and stylistic variety. You should be able to use it to convey subtle shades of meaning. At this level, you might use 'notable' to describe not just physical or quantitative changes, but also abstract concepts like 'una notable influencia' (a notable influence) or 'una notable lucidez' (a notable lucidity). You can play with the word's placement to create different rhythmic effects in your prose. Placing it before the noun ('su notable contribución') can give your writing a more formal, almost respectful tone. You should also be aware of the word's history and its use in legal or administrative Spanish. For example, 'hechos notables' in a legal document refers to facts that are significant to the case. You can use 'notable' to critique literature or art, describing 'un estilo notable' or 'una técnica notable'. At C1, you should also be able to use the word in its noun form ('los notables') to discuss power structures or historical elites with ease. Your goal is to use 'notable' to make your Spanish sound sophisticated, precise, and deeply rooted in the nuances of the language.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'notable'. You use it with total spontaneity and can appreciate its most subtle literary and historical connotations. You might use it in a philosophical discussion to describe a 'notable paradoja' (notable paradox) or in a high-level business negotiation to point out a 'notable ventaja competitiva' (notable competitive advantage). You understand that 'notable' can sometimes carry a touch of irony or understatement depending on the tone of voice and context. You are familiar with its use in classical Spanish literature and can use it in your own creative writing to evoke a certain level of formality or gravitas. You can effortlessly switch between 'notable', 'notorio', 'insigne', and 'egregio', choosing the exact word that fits the register and the specific nuance you want to convey. For a C2 speaker, 'notable' is not just a word for 'remarkable'; it is a versatile instrument that can be used to paint detailed pictures, build persuasive arguments, and navigate the most complex social and professional environments in the Spanish-speaking world. You use it to show that you are not just a speaker of the language, but a master of its many layers.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

notable in 30 Seconds

Notable means 'remarkable' or 'worthy of attention'. It is used for significant changes, qualities, or people.
In Spanish education, 'notable' is a specific grade, usually between 7 and 8.9 out of 10.
It is gender-neutral (el cambio notable / la mejora notable) and only changes for plural (notables).
It is common in formal writing, news, and academic settings to highlight importance without being overly emotional.

The Spanish word notable is a versatile adjective that functions as a cognate to the English 'notable', yet it carries specific cultural and academic nuances that an English speaker must master to reach fluency. At its core, it describes something worthy of attention, remarkable, or significant. However, its usage spans from the mundane description of a student's performance to the sophisticated analysis of historical shifts. In the context of the Spanish education system, 'notable' is not just a descriptive term but a specific grade category, typically representing a score between 7 and 8.9 on a 10-point scale. This is roughly equivalent to a 'B' or 'B+' in the American system. When a student says, 'Saqué un notable', they are expressing a high level of achievement, though not the absolute highest (which would be 'sobresaliente'). Beyond the classroom, 'notable' is used to highlight qualities that stand out from the norm. It suggests a degree of excellence or intensity that is impossible to ignore. For instance, a 'notable diferencia' (notable difference) implies that the contrast is sharp and evident to any observer. It is a word that conveys respect and recognition without the hyperbolic weight of 'increíble' or 'maravilloso'. It is grounded in observation and fact.

Academic Context: In Spain and many Latin American countries, 'notable' serves as a formal grade. It sits comfortably above 'aprobado' (pass) and below 'sobresaliente' (outstanding). Using it as a noun ('un notable') is common when discussing report cards.

Su progreso en el último trimestre ha sido realmente notable, pasando de un nivel básico a uno intermedio con gran fluidez.

In professional settings, 'notable' is a staple of reports and evaluations. It is used to describe growth, changes in market trends, or the impact of a new policy. If a CEO mentions a 'notable incremento en las ventas', they are signaling to stakeholders that the growth is statistically significant and deserves focus. It is less emotional than 'fantástico' but more descriptive than 'grande'. The word also appears frequently in journalism and literature to describe individuals who have made a significant impact on society—'personas notables' or 'notables de la comunidad'. In this sense, it refers to people of distinction or high social standing. This usage is slightly more formal and can sometimes feel archaic depending on the region, but it remains a key part of the formal lexicon. Understanding 'notable' requires recognizing that it occupies the space between the 'ordinary' and the 'extraordinary'. It is the word for things that have successfully broken through the ceiling of the average.

Visual and Sensory Usage: It can describe physical traits or changes. A 'notable palidez' (notable paleness) suggests a change in health that is visually striking. It emphasizes the perception of the observer.

La arquitectura del edificio presenta una influencia notable del estilo gótico tardío.

Finally, 'notable' is often used in the plural as a noun to refer to the 'notables'—the prominent or influential members of a group or town. This is common in historical texts or news reports about local governance. For example, 'Los notables del pueblo se reunieron para discutir el nuevo proyecto de riego'. Here, it identifies a specific social class or group of elders/leaders whose opinions carry weight. As a learner, mastering this word allows you to move beyond simple adjectives like 'bueno' or 'grande' and provide more precise, sophisticated descriptions of the world around you. It helps you sound more like a native speaker who can distinguish between something that is just 'good' and something that truly demands a second look.

Comparative Nuance: Unlike 'notorio' (which often implies something is well-known or even scandalous), 'notable' focuses on the quality of being worthy of observation due to its excellence or size.

Using notable correctly involves understanding its placement and its grammatical behavior as an adjective. In Spanish, adjectives often follow the noun they modify, and 'notable' is no exception. When you say 'un cambio notable' (a notable change), the emphasis is on the change itself, with the adjective providing a descriptive quality. However, placing 'notable' before the noun—'un notable cambio'—can add a touch of literary flair or emphasize the speaker's subjective impression of the magnitude. Because 'notable' ends in '-e', it is gender-neutral. This simplifies its use significantly for English speakers, as you only need to worry about making it plural ('notables') when modifying plural nouns. For example, 'Los resultados son notables' (The results are notable) versus 'El resultado es notable' (The result is notable). This consistency makes it a reliable tool in your vocabulary kit.

Noun + Adjective: Standard usage: 'Es un avance notable'. This is the most common way to describe improvements, qualities, or features in everyday conversation and technical writing.

Existe una diferencia notable entre los dos modelos de automóvil en cuanto al consumo de combustible.

When using 'notable' as a noun, it typically requires an article. 'Sacó un notable en matemáticas' (He got a 'notable' in math). This usage is almost exclusively academic. You can also use it to refer to people: 'Los notables de la industria' (The notables of the industry). In this case, it functions similarly to 'important figures' or 'VIPs'. Another important aspect is its adverbial form, 'notablemente', which means 'notably' or 'significantly'. It is used to modify verbs or other adjectives: 'Ha mejorado notablemente' (It has improved notably). This is a great way to add nuance to your descriptions of change or state. When 'notable' is used with the verb 'ser' (to be), it describes an inherent or sustained quality. When used with 'parecer' (to seem), it describes an impression. It is rarely used with 'estar' because 'notable' usually refers to a characteristic quality rather than a temporary state, unless referring to a grade that has just been assigned.

Placement for Emphasis: 'Un notable esfuerzo' sounds more poetic and highlights the effort's magnitude more than 'un esfuerzo notable', which is more matter-of-fact.

Su notable capacidad para resolver conflictos lo convirtió en el líder ideal para el equipo.

In academic essays, 'notable' is frequently used to introduce evidence or observations. Phrases like 'Es notable que...' (It is notable that...) followed by a subordinate clause are common. This structure requires the indicative mood if you are stating a fact ('Es notable que el clima está cambiando') but can shift to the subjunctive if there is a hint of doubt or value judgment, though the indicative is far more common for this specific expression. Furthermore, 'notable' can be modified by degree adverbs like 'muy' (very) or 'altamente' (highly), although 'notable' itself already implies a high degree. Saying 'muy notable' is perfectly acceptable and intensifies the claim. In summary, 'notable' is a flexible adjective that fits into standard Spanish sentence structures with ease, providing a professional and precise way to highlight significance across various domains of life.

You will encounter notable in a variety of real-world contexts, each giving the word a slightly different flavor. The most common place is likely the Spanish educational environment. If you are studying in Spain, you will hear students asking each other, '¿Qué nota sacaste?' followed by answers like 'He sacado un notable'. This is a moment of pride for many, as it denotes a solid, high-quality performance that is better than the average 'aprobado'. In parent-teacher conferences, teachers use 'notable' to describe a student who is consistent and shows a clear grasp of the material. Moving from the school to the newsroom, 'notable' is a favorite of journalists. Whether it's a 'notable descenso de las temperaturas' (a notable drop in temperatures) or a 'notable incremento en la participación ciudadana' (a notable increase in citizen participation), the word is used to signal that the data being reported is statistically significant and worthy of the public's attention.

Scientific and Technical Reports: In these contexts, 'notable' describes findings that are observable and measurable. It is used to avoid more subjective or emotional language while still highlighting importance.

El estudio reveló una mejoría notable en los pacientes que siguieron la dieta mediterránea.

In the world of art and literature, critics use 'notable' to describe works or performances that leave a lasting impression. A 'obra notable' is one that stands out for its technique, creativity, or impact on the genre. In this context, it is a high compliment, suggesting that the work has successfully distinguished itself from the vast sea of contemporary production. You might also hear it in political discourse. Politicians often speak of 'notables avances' (notable advances) in negotiations or 'una notable falta de transparencia' (a notable lack of transparency) in their opponents' actions. Here, the word serves as a rhetorical tool to emphasize points of success or failure. In everyday conversation, while slightly less common than 'importante' or 'grande', it is used when someone wants to be more precise about an observation. For example, if you notice a friend has lost weight or changed their hair, saying 'Hay un cambio notable en tu imagen' is a polite and sophisticated way to acknowledge the transformation.

Legal and Formal Documents: Contracts or legal rulings may use 'notable' to describe a breach of contract or a significant piece of evidence that changes the course of a trial.

La sentencia destaca la notable ausencia de pruebas incriminatorias contra el acusado.

Finally, 'notable' appears in the names of awards or recognitions. Some organizations might give a 'mención notable' (notable mention) to participants who did not win but whose work was exceptional. This highlights the word's inherent link to merit and distinction. Whether you are reading a high-brow newspaper like *El País*, listening to a university lecture, or chatting with a Spanish friend about their recent exam, 'notable' provides a bridge between the basic and the advanced. It is a word that signals you are paying attention to the details and that you have the vocabulary to describe them with accuracy. It is an essential component of the 'B2' level speaker's repertoire, allowing for clear, nuanced, and professional communication in both written and spoken Spanish.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with notable is assuming it is a perfect synonym for 'famous' or 'notorious'. While something notable can be famous, the focus of 'notable' is on the quality of being *worthy* of notice rather than the fact of being widely known. For example, a scientific discovery might be 'notable' within a small community of researchers without being 'famoso' (famous) to the general public. Another common error is confusing 'notable' with 'notorio'. In Spanish, 'notorio' often carries a connotation of being obvious, well-known, or even 'notorious' in a negative sense (though not always). 'Notable' is generally positive or neutral, focusing on excellence or significance, whereas 'notorio' focuses on the visibility or public nature of the fact. Saying 'su notoria inteligencia' is possible, but 'su notable inteligencia' is more common when you want to praise the person's intellect.

Confusion with 'Notorio': Mistake: Using 'notorio' to mean 'remarkable'. Correction: Use 'notable' for remarkable qualities and 'notorio' for things that are widely known or evident.

Incorrecto: Es notorio por su música. (If you mean he is remarkable for it). Correcto: Es notable por su música.

Another pitfall involves the academic grade. Learners often try to translate their grades directly from English. An American student might say 'Saqué una B', which is understood, but using 'Saqué un notable' is the native way to express this in Spain. Conversely, using 'notable' to mean 'noticeable' in a physical sense can sometimes be tricky. While 'notable' can mean noticeable, Spanish speakers often prefer 'perceptible' or 'evidente' for sensory observations like a sound or a smell. 'Notable' is better suited for abstract qualities or measurable changes. Furthermore, remember that 'notable' is an adjective that can also be a noun. A common mistake is forgetting the article when using it as a noun: 'Él es notable' (He is remarkable) vs 'Él es un notable' (He is a prominent person). The meaning shifts significantly with that one small word.

Overuse of 'Notable': Learners sometimes use 'notable' as a generic 'good'. If something is just 'good', use 'bueno'. 'Notable' should be reserved for things that truly stand out.

La comida estaba notable. (Sounds slightly strange unless the food was remarkably good in a specific way). Better: La comida estaba muy buena.

Finally, watch out for the adverb 'notablemente'. Some learners use it when they should use 'especialmente' (especially) or 'particularmente' (particularly). 'Notablemente' specifically implies that the quality is high enough to be noted or that a change is significant. If you say 'Es notablemente difícil', you are saying it is 'significantly difficult'. If you just mean it's 'very difficult', 'muy difícil' is often better. Misplacing the stress on the word is also a minor but common error; remember the stress is on the penultimate syllable: no-TA-ble. Avoiding these common mistakes will help you use 'notable' with the precision of a native speaker, ensuring your descriptions are both accurate and sophisticated.

To truly enrich your Spanish, you should know the synonyms and alternatives to notable and understand when to use each. While 'notable' is excellent for general remarkability, other words can provide more specific shades of meaning. For instance, sobresaliente is the next step up in the academic and qualitative scale. It means 'outstanding' or 'excellent'. If 'notable' is a B, 'sobresaliente' is an A. Use it when something doesn't just stand out, but truly towers over the rest. Another common alternative is destacado. This word literally means 'highlighted' or 'prominent'. It is often used for people ('un médico destacado') or features ('un rasgo destacado'). It suggests that the thing or person has been 'detached' from the background because of their importance.

Notable vs. Sobresaliente: 'Notable' means worthy of notice or quite good. 'Sobresaliente' means exceptional or the highest possible quality. In grades, 'sobresaliente' is higher.

Su desempeño fue notable, pero el de su compañero fue simplemente sobresaliente.

If you want to emphasize that something is significant or has a major impact, significativo or relevante are your best bets. 'Significativo' is perfect for data and changes ('un aumento significativo'), while 'relevante' is ideal for importance and pertinence ('información relevante'). For something that is clearly visible or obvious, you might use patente, manifiesto, or evidente. These words focus on the ease with which something can be seen. For example, 'Es patente que no ha dormido' (It's obvious that he hasn't slept). 'Notable' could be used there, but 'patente' is stronger regarding the visual evidence. In more formal or literary contexts, you might encounter insigne or ilustre. These are used almost exclusively for people of great renown and honor, like 'un insigne escritor' (a distinguished writer).

Notable vs. Importante: 'Importante' is broader and more common. 'Notable' adds a layer of 'remarkability'—it's not just important, it's something people are talking about or noticing.

La notable mejoría en la economía local ha atraído a muchos inversores extranjeros.

Lastly, for something that is truly out of the ordinary, extraordinario or excepcional are the strongest choices. These suggest that the thing is a rare occurrence or of a quality that is seldom seen. While 'notable' is for things that are worthy of note, 'extraordinario' is for things that leave you speechless. By learning these distinctions, you can choose the word that fits your exact meaning, whether you are describing a student's grade, a scientific breakthrough, or a beautiful sunset. This precision is what separates a B2 learner from a C1 or C2 master. Always consider the context: is it academic? Is it visual? Is it about size or quality? The answer will guide you to the perfect word.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'not-' is the same one found in 'know' (gnoscere) in Latin, meaning that something notable is literally something 'knowable' or 'recognizable'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /nəʊˈteɪbəl/

US /ˈnoʊtəbəl/

The stress in Spanish is on the second-to-last syllable: no-TA-ble.

Rhymes With

amable variable estable probable saludable agradable responsable insaciable

Common Errors

Stressing the first syllable (NO-ta-ble) like in English.
Pronouncing the final 'e' as a 'y' (no-ta-bly).
Making the 'o' sound like a diphthong (nou-table).
Pronouncing the 't' with a puff of air (aspiration). In Spanish, 't' is dental and unaspirated.
Failing to pronounce the 'l' clearly at the end.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize because it is a cognate, but requires context for the 'grade' meaning.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of gender neutrality and formal placement.

Speaking 4/5

Stress placement is the main hurdle for English speakers.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation makes it easy to hear in formal speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

bueno importante nota examen cambio

Learn Next

sobresaliente notablemente destacado significativo notorio

Advanced

insigne egregio patente manifiesto relevancia

Grammar to Know

Adjectives ending in -e are gender-neutral.

El hombre notable / La mujer notable.

Pluralization of adjectives ending in -e.

Los cambios notables / Las mejoras notables.

Placement of adjectives for emphasis.

Un notable esfuerzo (more emphatic) vs Un esfuerzo notable (standard).

Use of 'ser' with permanent/characteristic qualities.

Su inteligencia es notable.

Nominalization of adjectives with articles.

El notable (the grade) / Los notables (the people).

Examples by Level

Mi nota en el examen de español fue un notable.

My grade in the Spanish exam was a 'notable' (B).

Here 'notable' is used as a masculine noun.

Hay una diferencia notable entre el perro grande y el pequeño.

There is a notable difference between the big dog and the small one.

'Notable' follows the noun 'diferencia'.

El edificio es muy notable por su color rojo.

The building is very notable for its red color.

Adjective modifying the singular masculine noun 'edificio'.

Ella es una estudiante notable.

She is a notable (remarkable) student.

Adjective modifying the feminine noun 'estudiante'.

Los cambios en el jardín son notables.

The changes in the garden are notable.

Plural form 'notables' matches 'cambios'.

Es un libro notable.

It is a notable book.

Standard adjective placement after the noun.

Tengo un notable en matemáticas.

I have a 'notable' in mathematics.

Used as a noun meaning a specific grade.

Vimos una montaña notable en el viaje.

We saw a notable mountain on the trip.

Simple descriptive use.

Su progreso en el curso ha sido notable.

His progress in the course has been notable.

Used with the verb 'ser'.

La ciudad tiene monumentos notables.

The city has notable monuments.

Plural adjective matching 'monumentos'.

Es notable que siempre llegas temprano.

It is notable that you always arrive early.

Used in an impersonal expression 'Es notable que'.

Hubo una mejoría notable en el clima hoy.

There was a notable improvement in the weather today.

Adjective modifying 'mejoría'.

El actor hizo un papel notable en la película.

The actor played a notable role in the movie.

Describes the quality of a performance.

Es una persona notable por su amabilidad.

He/She is a person notable for their kindness.

Followed by the preposition 'por'.

Las diferencias entre los dos hermanos son notables.

The differences between the two brothers are notable.

Plural agreement.

Este vino tiene un sabor notable.

This wine has a notable flavor.

Describing a sensory experience.

El éxito de la empresa fue notable el año pasado.

The company's success was notable last year.

Refers to a significant achievement.

Es notable la falta de recursos en la zona.

The lack of resources in the area is notable.

Adjective placed before the noun for emphasis.

Sacó varios notables en su boletín de notas.

He got several 'notables' on his report card.

Plural noun usage for grades.

La tecnología ha avanzado de forma notable.

Technology has advanced in a notable way.

Prepositional phrase 'de forma notable' functions as an adverb.

Fue un notable escritor de su época.

He was a notable writer of his time.

Placement before the noun adds a formal tone.

La noticia causó un impacto notable en la sociedad.

The news caused a notable impact on society.

Describes the scale of an effect.

Sus habilidades son notables para su edad.

His skills are notable for his age.

Comparison using 'para'.

Se nota una notable mejoría en tu pronunciación.

A notable improvement in your pronunciation is noticeable.

Uses the verb 'notar' and the adjective 'notable' together.

El informe destaca una notable reducción de costes.

The report highlights a notable reduction in costs.

Formal business context.

A pesar de los problemas, mantuvo una notable calma.

Despite the problems, he maintained a notable calm.

Abstract noun modification.

Los notables del pueblo se opusieron al proyecto.

The prominent figures of the town opposed the project.

Noun usage referring to people of status.

Es notable el esfuerzo que han hecho los voluntarios.

The effort the volunteers have made is notable.

Inverted sentence structure for emphasis.

Su ausencia fue notable durante la ceremonia.

His absence was notable during the ceremony.

Describes something that was missed.

Presenta una notable influencia de la pintura flamenca.

It shows a notable influence of Flemish painting.

Art criticism context.

Hubo una notable asistencia de público al concierto.

There was a notable public attendance at the concert.

Quantifying participation.

La empresa ha logrado un crecimiento notable este trimestre.

The company has achieved notable growth this quarter.

Professional performance description.

La obra es notable por su profundidad lírica.

The work is notable for its lyrical depth.

Sophisticated literary analysis.

Existe una notable discrepancia entre los testimonios.

There is a notable discrepancy between the testimonies.

Formal legal/analytical context.

Su notable trayectoria profesional le valió el premio.

His notable professional career earned him the award.

Placement before the noun for prestige.

Es notable que el autor omita este detalle histórico.

It is notable that the author omits this historical detail.

Analytical observation.

La ciudad experimentó una notable transformación urbana.

The city underwent a notable urban transformation.

Sociological/Geographical context.

Aportó una notable cantidad de datos al estudio.

He contributed a notable amount of data to the study.

Quantifying contribution.

Su notable elocuencia cautivó a toda la audiencia.

His notable eloquence captivated the entire audience.

Describing a high-level skill.

Los resultados, aunque notables, no son definitivos.

The results, though notable, are not definitive.

Use of 'aunque' for contrast.

La notable austeridad de su prosa es su mayor virtud.

The notable austerity of his prose is his greatest virtue.

High-level literary criticism.

Se advierte una notable erosión de los valores tradicionales.

A notable erosion of traditional values is observed.

Sociological discourse.

Su intervención fue notable tanto por el fondo como por la forma.

His intervention was notable for both its substance and its form.

Complex comparative structure.

La notable singularidad de este ecosistema lo hace único.

The notable singularity of this ecosystem makes it unique.

Scientific/Philosophical nuance.

Hubo una notable convergencia de intereses en la reunión.

There was a notable convergence of interests in the meeting.

Abstract professional context.

Es un hecho notable que la paz se haya mantenido tanto tiempo.

It is a notable fact that peace has been maintained for so long.

Subjunctive used after 'Es un hecho notable que' for emphasis on the state.

La notable perspicacia del detective resolvió el caso.

The detective's notable insight solved the case.

Describing intellectual prowess.

A pesar de su notable fama, siempre fue una persona humilde.

Despite his notable fame, he was always a humble person.

Contrastive usage.

Common Collocations

cambio notable

éxito notable

mejoría notable

diferencia notable

esfuerzo notable

incremento notable

ausencia notable

influencia notable

progreso notable

persona notable

Common Phrases

Es notable que...

— Used to point out a fact that is worthy of attention. It translates to 'It is notable that...'.

Es notable que el equipo no haya perdido ningún partido.

De forma notable

— An adverbial phrase meaning 'in a notable way' or 'significantly'.

La economía ha crecido de forma notable.

Mención notable

— An honorable mention or a special recognition in a competition.

Recibió una mención notable por su fotografía.

Cifras notables

— Significant numbers or statistics that stand out.

La empresa presentó cifras notables este año.

Hecho notable

— A remarkable fact or event that deserves to be recorded.

La invención de la imprenta fue un hecho notable.

Notable alto

— In the Spanish grading system, a high 'notable' (around an 8 or 8.5).

He sacado un notable alto en el examen final.

Notable bajo

— In the Spanish grading system, a low 'notable' (around a 7).

Me conformo con un notable bajo.

Un notable de la banca

— An influential or important figure in the banking sector.

Se reunió con un notable de la banca suiza.

Hacerse notable

— To become noticeable or prominent over time.

Su talento se hizo notable desde muy joven.

Rasgos notables

— Striking or distinguishing features, often physical.

Tenía unos rasgos notables y una mirada profunda.

Often Confused With

notable vs notorio

'Notable' means remarkable/worthy of note. 'Notorio' means well-known or obvious, sometimes with a negative hint.

notable vs sobresaliente

'Notable' is a B grade. 'Sobresaliente' is an A grade. Don't mix them up if you want to be accurate about scores.

notable vs notable (English)

While they are cognates, the Spanish 'notable' is used much more frequently as a specific academic grade.

Idioms & Expressions

"Brillar por su ausencia"

— To be notably absent when one's presence was expected. It is a common idiom using the concept of absence.

El director brilló por su ausencia en la reunión.

informal/neutral

"Dar la nota"

— To attract attention in a negative way, to make a scene. While it uses 'nota', it's related to the idea of being 'notable' for the wrong reasons.

No quiero dar la nota en la fiesta.

informal

"Poner nota"

— To evaluate or judge something, related to the academic 'nota'.

Es difícil poner nota a una actuación tan compleja.

neutral

"Tomar nota"

— To take note or pay attention to something important.

Debemos tomar nota de sus sugerencias.

neutral

"Estar en el candelero"

— To be in the limelight or very prominent/notable at the moment.

El actor está ahora mismo en el candelero.

informal

"Ser harina de otro costal"

— To be a completely different (and often more notable) matter.

Eso ya es harina de otro costal.

informal

"No ser nada del otro jueves"

— To not be anything special or notable (negative).

La película no es nada del otro jueves.

informal

"Cantar las cuarenta"

— To tell someone off in a very clear and notable way.

Le cantó las cuarenta por su impuntualidad.

informal

"Hacer de tripas corazón"

— To make a notable effort to overcome fear or disgust.

Hizo de tripas corazón y entró en la cueva.

informal

"Tirar la casa por la ventana"

— To spend a notable amount of money on a celebration.

Tiraron la casa por la ventana para su boda.

informal

Easily Confused

notable vs notorio

They look similar and both relate to things being 'noticed'.

Notable focuses on the quality of being remarkable. Notorio focuses on the fact of being publicly known or evident. You can have a notable talent that isn't notorio (yet).

Su talento es notable, pero su mala fama es notoria.

notable vs destacado

Both mean someone or something that stands out.

Destacado is often used for people who are leaders in a field. Notable is used more for changes, qualities, or grades.

Es un destacado cirujano con una notable habilidad.

notable vs importante

Generic synonym for significance.

Importante is very broad. Notable specifically implies that the importance is high enough to be 'noted' or remarked upon.

Es una reunión importante, pero el cambio en la agenda fue notable.

notable vs evidente

Both describe things that are easy to see.

Evidente just means it's clear. Notable means it's clear AND significant or remarkable.

Es evidente que llueve, pero la lluvia es notable por su intensidad.

notable vs insigne

Both describe distinguished people.

Insigne is much more formal and usually reserved for historical or highly honored figures. Notable is more common.

El insigne Cervantes es el autor más notable de España.

Sentence Patterns

Es un/una [noun] notable.

Es un libro notable.

Hay una [noun] notable.

Hay una diferencia notable.

[Noun] ha mejorado notablemente.

Mi español ha mejorado notablemente.

Es notable que + [sentence].

Es notable que el clima está cambiando.

Debido a su notable [quality], ...

Debido a su notable valentía, salvó al niño.

Un notable [noun] de la [field] ...

Un notable científico de la universidad habló hoy.

La notable [abstract noun] de ...

La notable parsimonia de su discurso fue criticada.

Siendo notable por ..., [subject] ...

Siendo notable por su arte, el pintor viajó por todo el mundo.

Word Family

Nouns

nota

notabilidad

notario

Verbs

notar

notificar

anotar

Adjectives

notable

notorio

notado

noticia

noticiero

anotación

connotación

denotación

How to Use It

frequency

High, especially in academic, professional, and journalistic domains.

Common Mistakes

Using 'notorio' for 'remarkable'. → Su talento es notable.
'Notorio' means something is widely known or obvious, often in a negative way. 'Notable' is for quality.
Saying 'una notable mejora'. → una mejora notable (or una notable mejora for emphasis).
While 'notable mejora' is correct for emphasis, learners often forget that the standard position is after the noun.
Pluralizing the noun but not the adjective. → Los cambios notables.
Adjectives must always agree in number with the noun they modify.
Pronouncing it like the English 'notable'. → no-TA-ble.
The stress in Spanish falls on the penultimate syllable, not the first.
Using 'notable' to describe a small, positive thing. → La comida está buena.
'Notable' implies something that truly stands out. Using it for a simple meal sounds slightly exaggerated.

Tips

Gender Invariance

Remember that adjectives ending in -e don't change for gender. This makes 'notable' very easy to use with any noun!

Beyond 'Muy Bueno'

Try replacing 'muy bueno' with 'notable' in your writing to sound more sophisticated and precise.

Spanish Grades

If you study in Spain, aim for a 'notable'. It's a great grade that shows you've mastered the material.

The Stress Test

Always stress the 'TA': no-TA-ble. Practicing this will help you sound much more like a native speaker.

Adverbial Boost

Use 'notablemente' to add weight to your verbs. 'Ha crecido notablemente' sounds much better than 'ha crecido mucho'.

News Keywords

Listen for 'notable' in financial or weather news. It's a key word for identifying significant trends.

Formal Reports

In business reports, 'un incremento notable' is the standard way to describe a healthy growth rate.

Complimenting

Telling someone their progress is 'notable' is a very encouraging and respectful way to give feedback.

Context Clues

If you see 'notable' as a noun with 'un', check if the context is about a school grade.

The 'Notice' Root

Connect 'notable' to the verb 'notar' (to notice). If you can notice it easily, it's notable!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Note' that is 'Able' to be seen. If you can write a note about it, it is 'notable'.

Visual Association

Imagine a bright yellow sticky note on a gray wall. The note is 'notable' because it stands out from the background.

Word Web

nota (grade/note) notar (to notice) notablemente (significantly) notabilidad (prominence) notorio (well-known) anotar (to write down) sobresaliente (outstanding) diferencia (difference)

Challenge

Try to use 'notable' in three different ways today: once for a grade, once for a physical change, and once for a person's quality.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'notabilis', which means 'worthy of note'. It comes from the verb 'notare' (to mark, to note) and the suffix '-bilis' (capable of).

Original meaning: Something that is capable of being marked or noted down because it stands out.

Romance (Latin origin).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but avoid calling someone 'notable' in a sarcastic way, as it can sound condescending.

English speakers often use 'notable' for famous people. In Spanish, it's more common for qualities or changes.

The 'Bares Notables' of Buenos Aires (cafes of historical importance). The 'Notables' of the French Revolution (historical group). Academic transcripts in Spain (Certificado de Notas).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Education

Sacar un notable
Tener un notable en el expediente
Calificación de notable
Alumno notable

Business

Crecimiento notable
Incremento notable de ventas
Notable reducción de gastos
Ventaja notable

Health

Mejoría notable
Cambio notable en el estado
Notable palidez
Recuperación notable

Arts/Literature

Obra notable
Escritor notable
Influencia notable
Estilo notable

Social/News

Personas notables
Hecho notable
Notable ausencia
Impacto notable

Conversation Starters

"¿Has notado algún cambio notable en la ciudad últimamente?"

"¿Cuál fue tu asignatura favorita para sacar un notable en el colegio?"

"¿Quién te parece la persona más notable de la historia de tu país?"

"¿Crees que ha habido una mejoría notable en la tecnología este año?"

"¿Qué rasgos notables buscas en un buen amigo?"

Journal Prompts

Describe un cambio notable que hayas hecho en tu vida durante el último año y cómo te sientes al respecto.

Escribe sobre un libro o película notable que hayas visto recientemente. ¿Por qué te llamó la atención?

Reflexiona sobre una persona notable que conozcas personalmente. ¿Qué cualidades la hacen destacar?

Imagina que sacas un notable en tu examen de español. ¿Cómo lo celebrarías y qué significaría para ti?

Analiza una noticia reciente donde haya habido un incremento o descenso notable en algo importante.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Significa obtener una calificación de entre 7 y 8.9 en una escala de 10. Es una nota muy buena, equivalente a un 'B' o 'B+' en otros sistemas. Es mejor que un 'aprobado' (5-6.9) pero inferior a un 'sobresaliente' (9-10).

No, 'notable' es un adjetivo invariable en cuanto al género. Se dice 'el cambio notable' y 'la mejora notable'. Solo cambia para el plural: 'los cambios notables'.

'Notable' se refiere a algo que merece ser destacado por su calidad o tamaño. 'Notorio' se refiere a algo que es muy conocido o evidente para todos, a veces con una connotación negativa (como 'notorious' en inglés).

Sí, puedes decir que alguien es una 'persona notable' si tiene cualidades admirables o destacadas. También se usa como sustantivo ('los notables') para referirse a personas importantes de una comunidad.

Se dice 'notablemente'. Se usa para modificar verbos o adjetivos, por ejemplo: 'Su salud ha mejorado notablemente' (His health has improved notably).

Es una palabra de registro medio-alto. Se usa mucho en contextos académicos, profesionales y periodísticos, pero también es común en la conversación diaria educada.

Se pone antes del sustantivo para dar un énfasis subjetivo o literario. Por ejemplo, 'un notable esfuerzo' suena más enfático que 'un esfuerzo notable', que es la forma estándar y descriptiva.

El significado de 'remarcable' es universal. Sin embargo, el uso de 'notable' como calificación escolar es más específico de España. En otros países pueden usar números o términos como 'distinguido'.

Es un café o bar que ha sido oficialmente reconocido por el gobierno de la ciudad por su importancia histórica, arquitectónica o cultural. Son lugares icónicos que debes visitar.

Generalmente es positivo o neutro. Sin embargo, puede describir algo negativo si la magnitud es grande, como 'una notable falta de respeto' o 'un notable descenso en las ganancias'.