Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| extra | /ˈeɡstɾa/ |
| adicional | /adiθjoˈnal/ /adisjoˈnal/ |
In Spanish, these words are used to describe something that is beyond what is due or usual. The word extra often implies something that is surplus or leftover. For example, when referring to an additional charge, you may see the common phrase se paga extra (it is paid extra). Additionally, extra can be used as a noun to refer to a person in a play or movie with a minimal part. If you wish to say 'to an extraordinary degree', use the adverb extremadamente.
Which one should you use?
While extra and adicional are often synonyms, they carry different nuances: extra typically implies something surplus or leftover, whereas adicional implies something added to complete a requirement.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the word suplemento is a way to express 'extra', particularly when referring to additional charges or costs.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective extra is invariable for gender, meaning it remains the same for both masculine and feminine nouns. However, it must agree in number with the noun it modifies, becoming extras in the plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈeɡstɾa/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, using extra to mean 'more' can sometimes sound like you are talking about something that is unnecessary or 'too much', rather than just 'additional'.
- In Spanish, extra is an invariable adjective for gender, so it never changes to a feminine form regardless of the noun it describes.
- Despite being invariable for gender, extra must still agree in number, becoming extras when describing multiple items.
Examples in context
- No tenemos dinero extra.We have no extra money.This sentence is useful for showing how to use extra with the concept of money.Tatoeba #1581929 by termito2nd, translation #1286505 by CK
- ¿Tienes una llave extra?Do you have an extra key?This sentence shows how to use extra when asking for an additional object.Tatoeba #7460173 by arh, translation #3564976 by CK
- El desayuno se paga extra.There's an extra charge for breakfast.This sentence demonstrates the common phrase for an extra charge using extra.Tatoeba #2268723 by cueyayotl, translation #2268722 by _undertoad
- Tengo un requerimiento adicional para el informeI have an additional requirement for the report
- Podemos incluir una página adicional para más detallesWe can include an additional page for more details
- Me gusta añadir un poco de queso extra en mis tacosI like to add some extra cheese to my tacos
- 30 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are discussing their work hours.
- DanielTengo que trabajar horas extra hoy.I have to work extra hours today.
- SofíaQué mal, Daniel. ¿Tienes mucho trabajo?That's too bad, Daniel. Do you have a lot of work?
- DanielSí, necesito el dinero extra para el viaje.Yes, I need the extra money for the trip.
- SofíaEntonces vale la pena el esfuerzo, Sofía dice lo mismo.Then the effort is worth it, Sofía says the same.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “extra” translations and entries extra, adicional, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
