Which one should you use?
While genial is often translated as cool when referring to something awesome, its primary meaning is actually great or wonderful. If you want to express a sense of awe or astonishment in a formal way, you might use impresionante instead.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Chile, you may encounter the slang term Bacán (also spelled Bakán) to mean cool or awesome. Another informal option used in Chile to describe something that is great, fantastic or top-notch is filete.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, genial must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, but the form itself is invariable and does not change for gender.
How do you pronounce it?
/xeˈnjal/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use genial to describe a cool temperature. English speakers often make this mistake, but you should use fresco instead when referring to a cool temperature.
Did you know?
- The Chilean term bacán is believed by some linguists to have originated from the English word 'bacon', though it now simply means 'cool' or 'great'.
- In Chile, the slang word filete means 'cool' or 'top-notch'. It literally refers to a 'fillet' or a prime cut of meat.
- The word genial comes from the Latin genius, referring to a guardian spirit. Originally, it described things related to marriage or festive spirits rather than quality.
Examples in context
- Esto es muy genial.This is very cool.This sentence shows how to use genial to say something is very cool.Tatoeba #4329362 by pchamorro, translation #2869070 by Hybrid
- Este lugar es genial.This place is cool.This sentence uses genial to describe a place as cool.Tatoeba #4329399 by pchamorro, translation #3424120 by CK
- Esa es una idea genial.That's a very cool idea.This sentence demonstrates using genial to describe an idea.Tatoeba #10097496 by manufrutos, translation #10095621 by CK
- ¡Esa película estuvo súper bacán!That movie was really cool!
- Tu nuevo auto está demasiado filete.Your new car is really cool.
- ¡Genial! Podemos ir al concierto juntos.Cool! We can go to the concert together.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are talking about the temperature of the water.
- DanielEl agua del río está genial.The river water is cool.
- Lucía¿Está muy fría?Is it very cold?
- DanielNo, está genial para nadar.No, it is cool for swimming.
- LucíaEntonces voy a entrar.Then I am going in.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry genial, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries genial, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
