fenomenal
/fenomeˈnal/
fenomenal is the Spanish word for phenomenal.
fenomenal is used to describe something remarkable or extraordinary. In many Spanish-speaking contexts, it is also used colloquially to mean 'great' or 'awesome', similar to how an English speaker might use the word 'cool'.
Meaning: remarkable (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective fenomenal is invariant for gender, meaning it stays the same for both masculine and feminine nouns. To make the adjective plural, add -es to the end to get fenomenales.
How do you pronounce it?
/fenomeˈnal/
Did you know?
- While fenomenal is positive, calling a person a fenómeno can be a double-edged sword. Depending on the context, it can mean they are a 'prodigy' or a 'freak'.
- The word fenomenal shares its core DNA with the Latin word for 'appearance' or 'what is seen', rooted in the concept of a manifest reality.
- In Spain, fenomenal is frequently used as a standalone response to agree with a plan, effectively meaning 'Sounds great!' or 'Perfect!'
Examples in context
- André Danican Philidor solía jugar tres partidos simultáneamente, dos a ciegas y uno mirando al tablero. Diderot y D'Alembert lo citaron en la Enciclopedia como "una de las manifestaciones más fenomenales de la mente humana".André Danican Philidor used to play three games at the same time, two blindly and one looking at the board. Diderot and D'Alembert cited it in the Encyclopedia as "one of the most phenomenal manifestations of the human mind".This sentence shows the use of fenomenal to describe a remarkable manifestation of the human mind.Tatoeba #9963938 by carlosalberto, translation #9963937 by carlosalberto
- La actuación del tenor fue extraordinariaThe tenor's performance was phenomenal
- El arte moderno es impresionanteModern art is phenomenal
- La calidad del producto es sobresalienteThe product quality is phenomenal
- La recepción fue espléndidaThe reception was phenomenal
- Su actuación en la película fue increíbleHis performance in the movie was phenomenal
- El concierto estuvo genialThe concert was phenomenal
- El libro que leí fue estupendoThe book I read was phenomenal
- La exposición de arte fue brillanteThe art exhibition was phenomenal
- La película que vimos ayer fue extraordinaria. Recomiendo ir a verlaThe movie we saw yesterday was phenomenal. I recommend going to watch it
- ¡El concierto estuvo genial! No puedo esperar al próximoThe concert was phenomenal! I can't wait for the next one
- La actuación fue absolutamente extraordinariaThe performance was absolutely phenomenal
- Tu idea para el proyecto es fenomenal.Your idea for the project is phenomenal.
- El concierto de anoche fue fenomenal.Last night's concert was phenomenal.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a meal at a new restaurant.
- MateoLa comida en este restaurante es fenomenal.The food in this restaurant is phenomenal.
- MaríaSí, el sabor es realmente increíble.Yes, the flavor is truly incredible.
- MateoMaría, tienes que probar este postre.María, you have to try this dessert.
- MaríaGracias, Mateo, se ve delicioso.Thanks, Mateo, it looks delicious.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “phenomenal” translations and entries fenomenal, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fenomenal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
