potencial
adjectiveCEFR B2
What does “potencial” mean in English?
potential — having the capacity to develop into something in the future
potential — having the capacity to develop into something in the future (cliente potencial, riesgo potencial)
Example sentences
La empresa identificó a numerosos clientes potenciales en mercados emergentes que aún no habían sido explorados por la competencia.
The company identified numerous potential clients in emerging markets that had not yet been explored by competitors.
El riesgo potencial de la tecnología de inteligencia artificial justifica el establecimiento de marcos regulatorios estrictos.
The potential risk of artificial intelligence technology justifies the establishment of strict regulatory frameworks.
How to use it
Potencial means 'potential' — having the capacity to develop or be used; also: possible but not yet actual. Common collocations: cliente potencial, riesgo potencial, mercado potencial, candidato potencial. Ser: always ser. Also used as noun (el potencial = the potential).
Common mistake
Potencial ≠ posible: posible means something that can happen; potencial means something that has the internal capacity to develop or be used. A potencial client has the means and interest; a posible solution merely could work.