Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| extraordinario | /eɡstɾaoɾdiˈnaɾjo/ |
| descomunal | /deskomuˈnal/ |
| macanudo | /makaˈnudo/ |
| de aúpa | /de aupa/ (from spelling rules) |
extraordinario is used to describe things that are not ordinary, often referring to a high quality or a sense of rarity.
Which one should you use?
While extraordinario often refers to quality or rarity, descomunal is used to emphasize an extraordinary or overwhelming scale, size or intensity.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word macanudo is an informal way to describe something as great or extraordinary. The phrase de aúpa is a colloquialism used to describe something that is exceptionally good or remarkable.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term macanudo is often used in certain Latin American dialects.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective extraordinario must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, becoming extraordinario for masculine and extraordinaria for feminine. The adjective extraordinario becomes extraordinarios when modifying a masculine plural noun. The adjective extraordinario becomes extraordinarias when modifying a feminine plural noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/eɡstɾaoɾdiˈnaɾjo/
Did you know?
- The adjective macanudo has a rugged, physical origin. It is derived from macana, a heavy wooden club or cudgel used by indigenous peoples in the Americas.
- The colloquialism de aúpa uses the exclamation ¡upa!, which is the sound or word typically used when lifting a child or reacting to a sudden movement. It implies something is 'top-notch' through the sensation of being lifted.
- The word descomunal literally breaks down into 'not' and 'communal', suggesting something so extraordinary that it no longer fits into the common or shared experience of others.
Examples in context
- Sé tu serio y extraordinario problema.I know your serious and extraordinary problem.This sentence shows how to use extraordinario to describe a problem.Tatoeba #1502200 by marcelostockle, translation #1160301 by cntrational
- Ella tiene un extraordinario talento musical.She has an extraordinary ability in music.This sentence illustrates the use of extraordinario to describe a talent.Tatoeba #8267159 by Eremon, translation #316593 by Nina
- Tu comportamiento va más allá de lo extraordinario.Your behavior is too extraordinary.This sentence demonstrates how extraordinario can describe behavior.Tatoeba #831350 by LugoIlmer, translation #17157 by Zifre
- El científico hizo un descubrimiento extraordinario.The scientist made an extraordinary discovery.
- Fue una actuación extraordinaria de la orquesta.It was an extraordinary performance by the orchestra.
- Esa película fue increíble.That movie was incredible.
- Ella tiene un talento sobresaliente en la pinturaShe has an extraordinary talent in painting
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are discussing a movie they just watched.
- SofíaMe pareció que la película fue extraordinario.I thought the movie was extraordinary.
- DanielSí, la dirección fue muy buena.Yes, the directing was very good.
- SofíaY los efectos visuales fueron extraordinario.And the visual effects were extraordinary.
- DanielEstoy de acuerdo, Daniel.I agree, Daniel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “extraordinary” translations and entries extraordinario, descomunal, macanudo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aúpa, de, descomunal, extraordinario, macanudo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
