Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| global | /ɡloˈbal/ |
| mundial | /munˈdjal/ |
Both words are used to describe things concerning all parts of the world. global is typically used for abstract or technical concepts, such as 'global warming' or a 'global economy'. mundial is often preferred when referring to events, entities or things that span the entire world in a physical or competitive sense, such as a 'worldwide crisis' or a 'world ranking'.
Which one should you use?
global is the choice for abstract concepts like calentamiento global (global warming), while mundial is used for general or event-based contexts. For example, you would use mundial when referring to things like a world-scale ranking or a worldwide crisis.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the term mundial is typically used.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both adjectives must agree in number with the noun they modify. global becomes globales for plural nouns, and mundial becomes mundiales for plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡloˈbal/
Did you know?
- The word mundial shares its Latin root with 'mundane', but in Spanish, it maintains a much grander, more expansive connotation than the English word 'mundane'.
- In certain contexts, if you want to say something is 'global' in the sense of a 'total' or 'overall' sum, Spanish speakers might use global to mean 'total' rather than just 'worldwide'.
- In Spanish, the word Mundial is frequently used as a noun to refer to the FIFA World Cup, such as saying el Mundial instead of the full title.
Examples in context
- Piensa globalmente, actúa localmente.Think global, act local.This sentence uses the form global to express the concept of thinking globally.Tatoeba #3546036 by ManuelML, translation #3543738 by Hybrid
- ¿Te preocupa el calentamiento global?Are you worried about global warming?This sentence uses the form global to discuss the concept of global warming.Tatoeba #7919204 by fpp, translation #4502835 by CK
- Todos somos parte de la economía global.We are all part of the global economy.This sentence uses the form global to refer to the global economy.Tatoeba #2484635 by marcelostockle, translation #680783 by Source_VOA
- La economía mundial está experimentando un crecimiento sostenido.The global economy is experiencing sustained growth.
- Este es un problema global que afecta a todos.This is a global problem that affects everyone.
- ¡Es una película mundialmente famosa!It's a globally famous movie!
- ¡El cambio climático es un problema universal!Climate change is a global problem!
- La empresa tiene una presencia internacional.The company has a global presence.
- Los turistas generan un impacto global en la economía.Tourists have a global impact on the economy.
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are discussing a news report in a cafe.
- DanielLa crisis de energía es un problema global.The energy crisis is a global problem.
- SofíaEs cierto, nos afecta a todos los países.It is true, it affects all countries.
- DanielNecesitamos soluciones de escala global.We need solutions on a global scale.
- SofíaTienes mucha razón, Daniel.You are very right, Daniel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “global” translations and entries global, mundial, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
