énfasis
nounCEFR B2
What does “énfasis” mean in English?
emphasis, stress — the special importance given to something in speech or writing
emphasis, stress — the special importance given to something in speech or writing (poner énfasis en; especial énfasis)
Example sentences
El nuevo plan curricular pone especial énfasis en el desarrollo de las competencias digitales desde la etapa primaria.
The new curriculum plan places special emphasis on developing digital skills from primary level.
El énfasis que el informe pone en la transparencia corporativa responde a las demandas de los inversores institucionales.
The emphasis the report places on corporate transparency responds to demands from institutional investors.
Habló con mucho énfasis para dejar claro que no estaba dispuesta a negociar en esas condiciones.
She spoke with great emphasis to make clear that she was not prepared to negotiate under those conditions.
How to use it
El énfasis (noun, masculine, invariable in plural: los énfasis) means 'emphasis, stress, special importance given to something'. At B2 it is a core discourse marker noun. Key collocations: poner énfasis en (to emphasise); hacer énfasis en; especial énfasis; el énfasis recae en. The verb enfatizar is slightly more formal. Distinguish from acento (which can mean the same in the phrase poner el acento en, but acento also means spoken accent). Note: énfasis is masculine despite ending in -s.
Common mistake
Don't say *el énfases as a plural — the word is invariable: los énfasis. 'To emphasise' = poner énfasis en or enfatizar (not *enfocar). Distinguish poner énfasis en (broader: to place emphasis on a topic) from subrayar (to underline/highlight a specific point).