Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| genio | /ˈxenjo/ | masculine |
| genia | /xenja/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| portento | /poɾˈtento/ | masculine |
The primary meaning refers to someone possessing extraordinary intelligence or skill. Other related terms include prodigio, which means 'prodigy' and the slang term crack to describe someone who is exceptionally skilled. You may also use the informal synonym fenómeno to describe someone who excels or is remarkably talented in a specific area.
Which one should you use?
While genio refers to intellectual or skill-based brilliance, its synonym portento is used to emphasize the person as a marvel or a wonder. Additionally, be aware that genio can also mean a person's temperament or mood.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, the term máquina is used to describe someone who is extremely talented or gifted in a particular field.
How does it change in a sentence?
The standard masculine form is genio, but if you are referring to a female genius, use the feminine form genia.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈxenjo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful with the phrase tener un genio. This idiomatic usage is often used to describe someone who is very temperamental or has a strong, often difficult, personality.
Did you know?
- Spanish uses the same word genio to refer to both a person of high intellect and the magical wish-granting spirit found in a lamp.
- The word genio has a double origin, descending both from the Latin word for 'birth' and the Arabic word jinn for a supernatural spirit.
- The word fenómeno can describe a genius, but in some contexts it is used to describe someone who is an oddity or a freak.
Examples in context
- Él es un genio.He is a genius.This sentence is useful for stating that a male is a genius using genio.Tatoeba #2416430 by hayastan, translation #301761 by CK
- ¿Es Tom un genio?Is Tom a genius?This sentence is useful for asking if Tom is a genius using genio.Tatoeba #2902496 by teskmon, translation #2262066 by CK
- ¡Pero qué genio es!What a genius he is!This sentence is useful for exclaiming someone's genius using genio.Tatoeba #1296964 by marcelostockle, translation #292300 by CM
- Albert Einstein fue un genio en el campo de la física teórica.Albert Einstein was a genius in the field of theoretical physics.
- ¡Ese chico es un crack en el fútbol!That boy is a genius at soccer!
- 56 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are discussing a difficult math problem.
- MateoNo puedo resolver este problema.I cannot solve this problem.
- LucíaDéjame ayudarte, yo lo hago.Let me help you, I'll do it.
- Mateo¡Lo hiciste rápido! Eres un genio.You did it fast! You are a genius.
- LucíaGracias, Mateo, pero fue fácil.Thanks, Mateo, but it was easy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “genius” translations and entries genio, portento, 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 genio, portento, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
