mejor
/meˈxoɾ/
The Spanish word for better is mejor.
mejor is the most straightforward and versatile translation for the English word "better". It functions as the comparative of the adjectives "good" or "well", and it can also serve as the comparative of the adverb "well".
Meaning: comparative of the adjectives good or well (adj)
Which one should you use?
While mejor is the standard way to say better, you can use superior to specifically convey a sense of superiority or being better than something or someone else. To express the specific comparison "better than", use the phrase mejor que.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word mejor is invariant in gender, meaning it stays the same whether the noun it describes is masculine or feminine. However, when using it as an adjective to modify a plural noun, you must use the form mejores.
How do you pronounce it?
/meˈxoɾ/
Did you know?
- In colloquial Spanish, mejor can be used as an interjection to suddenly change one's mind, similar to saying 'on second thought'.
- The English word 'ameliorate', meaning to make something better, shares the same ancient root as mejor.
- If someone tells you estoy mejor, they are often referring to their health rather than their skill or status.
Examples in context
- Su voz es mejor.Her voice is better.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of mejor to describe a quality.Tatoeba #4610770 by DarkHollow, translation #4609657 by LeeSooHa
- Soy mejor que tú.I am better than you.This sentence is useful for practicing a comparison between people using mejor.Tatoeba #1137966 by Shishir, translation #1137965 by CM
- El rojo es mejor.Red is better.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of mejor to express preference.Tatoeba #1416564 by marcelostockle, translation #1416534 by CK
- Es mejor que llegues temprano a la reunión.It's better for you to arrive early to the meeting.
- Mi puntaje en el examen fue superior al promedio de la clase.My score on the exam was better than the class average.
- Tu presentación fue excelente, mejoraste mucho en comparación con la última vez.Your presentation was excellent, you have improved a lot compared to last time.
- Estoy tratando de mejorar mi nivel de español hablando con hablantes nativos.I'm trying to improve my Spanish level by speaking with native speakers.
- 1391 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are at a restaurant comparing two dishes.
- Javier¿Te gusta la sopa?Do you like the soup?
- MaríaNo, el pollo es mejor.No, the chicken is better.
- JavierTienes razón, María.You are right, María.
- MaríaEs una mejor opción.It is a better option.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “better” translations and entries mejor, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mejor, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
