genial
/xeˈnjal/
In Spanish, the word for cool is genial.
Meaning: having a slightly low temperature (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 'genial' means 'great' or 'wonderful', the word fresco is used to describe a slightly low temperature.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Guay is a casual way to say 'cool' commonly used in Spain. Chido / Chida is a Mexican slang term equivalent to 'cool' or 'awesome'. Bacán is a term popular in many South American countries, particularly Argentina, Peru and Chile, used to express something is cool. In Argentina, use copado instead of chevere.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective genial must agree in number with the noun it modifies, changing to geniales for plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/xeˈnjal/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use genial to mean 'cool' in terms of temperature, but genial actually means 'great' or 'wonderful'.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, calling someone fresco can actually be an insult, implying they are 'cheeky' or 'shameless' rather than 'cool'.
- In Argentina, copado comes from the verb copar, which means 'to take over' or 'to occupy'. To be copado is to be so cool that you capture everyone's attention.
- The word genial comes from the Latin genius, meaning a 'guardian spirit'. Originally, it described something festive or relating to marriage rather than just being 'great'.
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 cool place.Tatoeba #4329399 by pchamorro, translation #3424120 by CK
- Esa es una idea genial.That's a very cool idea.This sentence uses genial to describe a cool idea.Tatoeba #10097496 by manufrutos, translation #10095621 by CK
- ¡Esa fiesta estuvo muy chida!That party was really cool!
- Ese concierto fue súper bacánThat concert was really cool
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are talking about the weather outside.
- ElenaHace un viento genial hoy.There is a cool breeze today.
- AlejandroSí, ya no hace calor.Yes, it is not hot anymore.
- ElenaMe gusta este clima genial.I like this cool weather.
- AlejandroA mí también, Elena.I do too, Elena.
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.
