prodigio
/pɾoˈdixjo/masculine
The English phrase 'prodigy' translates to the Spanish prodigio. If unsure, use prodigio. Wiktionary also lists fenómeno and niño prodigio.
Meaning: extremely talented person, especially a child (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| prodigio | /pɾoˈdixjo/ | masculine |
| fenómeno | /feˈnomeno/ | |
| niño prodigio | /ˌniɲo pɾoˈdixjo/ |
prodigio refers to an extremely talented person, especially a child. Beyond describing people, it can also be used to describe a wonder or marvel of nature, such as in the phrase prodigio de la naturaleza.
Which one should you use?
While prodigio refers to a person's talent, fenómeno is used colloquially to describe someone who is exceptionally good at something, similar to calling someone a 'phenom' in English.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun prodigio is masculine and can be used to refer to either a male or female prodigy.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾoˈdixjo/
Did you know?
- While prodigio is the standard term, calling someone un crack is an extremely common modern slang alternative in Spain to describe a prodigy or expert in a specific field.
- The word prodigio descends from the Latin prōdigium, which originally referred to an omen or a supernatural sign rather than just a talented person.
- While fenómeno can mean a 'prodigy' or a 'phenom' in a positive sense, it can also be used as a negative term for someone who is an oddity or a freak.
Examples in context
- El prodigio de cuatro años compuso una sinfonía.The four-year old prodigy composed a symphony.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use prodigio when discussing a young talented person.Tatoeba #9770039 by Eremon, translation #5794304 by Eccles17
- María es un prodigio del piano.María is a piano prodigy.
- El pintor hizo un trabajo prodigioso.The painter did an astonishing job.
- ¡Juan es un fenómeno en matemáticas!Juan is a math prodigy!
- Pedro es un genio de la informática.Pedro is a computer genius.
- Ese pianista es un auténtico prodigio.That pianist is a true prodigy.
- El niño es un prodigio en las matemáticas.The boy is a prodigy in mathematics.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are watching a young violinist perform.
- ElenaJavier, mira a ese pequeño músico.Javier, look at that little musician.
- JavierEs un prodigio, toca de maravilla.He is a prodigy, he plays wonderfully.
- Elena¿Crees que llegará a ser famoso?Do you think he will become famous?
- JavierSeguro que sí, tiene un talento increíble.Surely he will, he has incredible talent.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “prodigy” translations and entries prodigio, fenómeno, niño prodigio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fenómeno, niño, prodigio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
