genial
/xeˈnjal/
The English word 'rad' can be translated to Spanish as genial.
The word genial is used to describe something as great or awesome. Other words can also be used to express that something is fantastic or great, such as fantástico.
Meaning: short for radical, excellent (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
Spanish speakers use different terms depending on their location. In Mexico, the slang term chido is used for cool or awesome. In Spain, guay is a common slang term for cool or rad. In Venezuela, the slang term chevere is used for cool or rad. In countries like Peru and Chile, the colloquial term bacán is frequently used to mean awesome.
How do you pronounce it?
/xeˈnjal/
Did you know?
- The term bacán used in Chile and Peru is believed to have originated from the word bacanal, referring to the wild, decadent parties of the Roman god Bacchus.
- While genial is used for 'rad' in many places, in Spain you will often hear guay, a word believed to be derived from the English word 'guy'.
- The English word 'genial' means friendly or cheerful, but the Spanish genial is much stronger and is used to mean 'fantastic' or 'brilliant'.
Examples in context
- ¡Esa fiesta estuvo muy chida!That party was really cool!
- ¡Lo pasamos guay en la playa hoy!We had a really cool time at the beach today!
- ¡Ese concierto estuvo bacán!That concert was awesome!
- Ese coche es genial.That car is rad.
- Tu idea es genial.Your idea is rad.
- El concierto estuvo genial.The concert was rad.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are talking about a new video game.
- Elena¿Has probado el nuevo juego?Have you tried the new game?
- DanielSí, es genial.Yes, it is rad.
- Elena¡Qué bien! Quiero jugarlo también.Great! I want to play it too.
- DanielDeberías probarlo pronto, Elena.You should try it soon, Elena.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry genial, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
