genial
/xeˈnjal/
In Spanish, the word for cool is genial.
The adjective genial is used to describe something that is great, wonderful or awesome. It describes the quality of an idea, a place or an object rather than a physical temperature.
Meaning: having a slightly low temperature (adj)
Which one should you use?
While the English word 'cool' can refer to both a pleasant low temperature and something that is awesome, the Spanish word genial only refers to the latter. It does not refer to a low temperature.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, genial does not change for gender, but it must agree in number with the noun it modifies, such as in ideas geniales.
How do you pronounce it?
/xeˈnjal/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use genial to describe a cool temperature. If you want to say something is cool in terms of temperature, use fresco instead.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, genio (the root of genial) can mean both a 'genius' and a 'temper'. Calling someone a genio might be a compliment or a warning that they are prone to anger.
- The root of genial comes from the Latin word for 'genius', which originally referred to a 'guardian spirit' that watched over a person or place.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you want to say something is 'cool' in a slang way, you would not use genial, but rather words like guay in Spain or chévere in parts of Latin America.
Examples in context
- Esto es muy genial.This is very cool.This sentence shows how to use genial to describe an object.Tatoeba #4329362 by pchamorro, translation #2869070 by Hybrid
- Este lugar es genial.This place is cool.This sentence shows how to use genial to describe a place.Tatoeba #4329399 by pchamorro, translation #3424120 by CK
- Esa es una idea genial.That's a very cool idea.This sentence shows how to use genial to describe an idea.Tatoeba #10097496 by manufrutos, translation #10095621 by CK
- ¡Está genial!It's awesome!
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are walking outside on a breezy day.
- ElenaEl aire se siente genial hoy.The air feels cool today.
- JavierSí, es un alivio después del calor.Yes, it is a relief after the heat.
- Elena¿Prefieres el clima genial o el cálido?Do you prefer cool weather or warm weather?
- JavierDefinitivamente prefiero el clima genial.I definitely prefer cool weather.
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.
