fama
nounCEFR B2
What does “fama” mean in English?
fame, reputation
fame, reputation (the state of being widely known; tener fama de; de mala fama; alcanzar la fama)
Example sentences
La fama que adquirió a raíz de aquel escándalo le resultó más una carga que una ventaja en su posterior carrera política.
The fame she acquired as a result of that scandal proved more of a burden than an advantage in her subsequent political career.
El restaurante tiene fama de ofrecer la mejor paella de la ciudad y siempre tiene lista de espera.
The restaurant has a reputation for serving the best paella in the city and always has a waiting list.
La fama mundial de Gaudí ha convertido sus obras en destinos turísticos de primer orden.
Gaudí's global fame has turned his works into major tourist destinations.
How to use it
La fama (noun, feminine) means 'fame, reputation, renown'. At B2 it encompasses both positive celebrity and reputation (good or bad). Core collocations: tener fama de + infinitive/noun (to be known for); alcanzar la fama; la fama le persigue; fama mundial/internacional; de mala fama (of ill repute). The adjective is famoso/a (famous). Note: tener fama de is a very productive B2 structure meaning 'to have a reputation for' — it can be positive (fama de honesto) or negative (fama de mentiroso). Distinguish from reputación (reputation — more institutional/professional) and notoriedad (notoriety — often negative).
Common mistake
Tener fama de + infinitive is a key B2 structure: tiene fama de ser puntual (she is known for being punctual). Don't confuse fama (fame/renown) with reputación (reputation — more corporate/institutional in feel). De mala fama is a fixed phrase meaning 'with a bad reputation / disreputable'.