genial
/xeˈnjal/
The English slang term 'dope' can be translated into Spanish as genial.
The word is used as an adjective to describe something as amazing.
Meaning: slang: amazing (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
Depending on where you are, different words are used to express that something is cool or amazing. In Spain, you may hear Guay or Molón. In Mexico and parts of Central America, Padre is a common way to say something is great or cool. In Latin American countries, particularly Colombia and Venezuela, the term Chévere is frequently used to describe someone or something as cool, great or awesome.
How do you pronounce it?
/xeˈnjal/
Did you know?
- The word guay, used in Spain to mean 'cool', is believed by some linguists to have originated from the English word 'guy'. It entered the Spanish lexicon as a way for youth to sound international.
- In Mexico, the word padre, which literally means 'father', is used as slang for 'cool'. You can even intensify it by saying está muy padre to describe something truly amazing.
- The word genial shares a root with the English word 'genius', as both stem from the Latin 'genius', referring to a protective spirit.
Examples in context
- El concierto fue genial.The concert was great.
- Tu nueva bicicleta es guay.Your new bike is cool.
- ¡Esa película es chévere!That movie is awesome!
- Ese concierto fue genial.That concert was dope.
- ¡Tu nuevo coche es genial!Your new car is dope!
- La idea de viajar es genial.The idea of traveling is dope.
Example conversation
Daniel shows Lucía a new drawing he made.
- DanielMira mi dibujo, Lucía.Look at my drawing, Lucía.
- Lucía¡Es genial, Daniel!It's dope, Daniel!
- DanielGracias, me tomó tres horas.Thanks, it took me three hours.
- LucíaRealmente tienes mucho talento.You really have a lot of talent.
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.
