está genial
/esta xenjal/from spelling rules
The English phrase "it is cool" can be translated into Spanish as está genial.
The phrase está genial is used to express enthusiasm or approval toward something that is great or wonderful. It is important to note that this refers to how good something is, not to the temperature. If you want to describe a cool temperature, you should use está fresco or está frío instead.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Está genial is a common, slightly informal way to express approval. For a more formal way to say something is cool or pleasant, you can use Es agradable.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Different regions have their own colloquial ways to say "it is cool": in Spain, you will frequently hear está guay, while in Mexico, está padre is a frequent way to say something is cool or great. In Latin America, está chévere is an informal phrase used to mean "it is cool" or "it is nice".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the verb estar (to be) rather than ser because it describes a state or a reaction to something rather than an inherent quality.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word guay, used in Spain to say something is cool, is believed by some linguists to have originated from the English word 'guy'.
- In Mexico, the word padre literally means 'father', but when used colloquially to mean 'cool', it is used by people of all genders and ages.
- The word genial comes from the Latin 'genius', referring to a guardian spirit. Originally, it described things that were festive or related to marriage.
Examples in context
- La presentación de ayer fue genial.Yesterday's presentation was cool.
- El nuevo auto de María está chévere.Maria's new car is cool.
- La fiesta estuvo guay.The party was cool.
- Tu nuevo coche está genial.Your new car is cool.
- Ese plan para el fin de semana está genial.That plan for the weekend is cool.
- El diseño de esta camiseta está genial.The design of this t-shirt is cool.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are looking at a new video game.
- Alejandro¿Has visto este nuevo juego?Have you seen this new game?
- MaríaSí, ¡está genial!Yes, it is cool!
- AlejandroLos gráficos son increíbles.The graphics are incredible.
- MaríaTienes razón, Alejandro.You are right, Alejandro.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries genial, CC BY-SA 4.0.
