Adjective
/tɾeˈmendo/
The word "tremendo" is commonly used in Spanish to describe something that is exceedingly great or intense. Its usage can vary widely based on context; it can express something positively (like excitement) or negatively (like fear or surprise). It is a versatile term that appears frequently in both oral and written contexts, but it leans slightly more towards colloquial usage in daily conversations.
¡Ese coche es tremendo!
(That car is tremendous!)
Hizo un tremendo esfuerzo para terminar el proyecto.
(He made a tremendous effort to finish the project.)
La tormenta anoche fue tremenda.
(Last night’s storm was tremendous.)
The word "tremendo" appears in various idiomatic expressions in Spanish. Here are some notable ones:
Tremendo lío
This phrase means "tremendous mess" or "huge problem."
Example: La fiesta se convirtió en un tremendo lío cuando llegó la policía.
(The party became a tremendous mess when the police arrived.)
Tremendo dolor de cabeza
Refers to a "tremendous headache" or a significant problem to deal with.
Example: Ese proyecto se volvió un tremendo dolor de cabeza para el equipo.
(That project became a tremendous headache for the team.)
Tremendo éxito
This expression means "tremendous success."
Example: Su nueva película ha sido un tremendo éxito en taquilla.
(His new movie has been a tremendous success at the box office.)
The term "tremendo" is derived from the Latin "tremendus," which means "to be feared" or "terrible." Over time, its meaning evolved in Spanish to encompass both extreme positive and negative connotations.
This comprehensive overview should provide a clear understanding of the term "tremendo" and its various usages and contexts in the Spanish language.