dramático
adjectiveCEFR B2
What does “dramático” mean in English?
dramatic — striking in scale or impact; also colloquially: overreacting
dramatic — striking in scale or impact; also colloquially: overreacting (un cambio dramático; no seas dramático)
Example sentences
El cambio climático ha tenido consecuencias dramáticas para las comunidades costeras de todo el mundo.
Climate change has had dramatic consequences for coastal communities around the world.
Se produjo un aumento dramático del desempleo juvenil durante los primeros meses de la crisis.
There was a dramatic increase in youth unemployment during the first months of the crisis.
¡No seas tan dramático! Es una reunión de trabajo, no el fin del mundo.
Don't be so dramatic! It's a work meeting, not the end of the world.
How to use it
Dramático/a means 'dramatic' — striking in impact or scale, or relating to drama/theatre. Takes ser. The non-theatrical sense (striking, extreme) is dominant at B2: un cambio dramático (a dramatic change), un aumento dramático (a dramatic increase), unas consecuencias dramáticas. Note: in colloquial use, 'no seas tan dramático' = don't be so dramatic (overreacting). The evaluative intensifier sense is key for journalism and academic writing. Be aware: in formal written registers, espectacular can serve as a stylistic synonym.
Common mistake
Dramático has both a theatrical sense (relating to drama) and a figurative intensifier sense (striking, extreme). In formal writing, the intensifier sense is common and not pejorative — un aumento dramático is neutral journalism. In colloquial speech, 'ser muy dramático' about a person implies excessive emotional reaction. Don't overuse dramático in formal writing — espectacular, radical, or pronunciado (for increases) can add variety.