sensacional
/sensaθjoˈnal/
The English phrase 'sensational' is translated into Spanish as sensacional.
sensacional is used to describe something that is exceptionally great.
Meaning: exceptionally great (adj)
Which one should you use?
In English, the word 'sensational' can often imply something scandalous or shocking (sensationalism), in Spanish sensacional is most commonly used to mean 'wonderful' or 'excellent'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective sensacional is invariant in gender, meaning it remains the same for both masculine and feminine nouns. To make the adjective plural, add -es to form sensacionales.
How do you pronounce it?
/sensaθjoˈnal/
Did you know?
- If a Spanish speaker wants to describe something as 'shocking' or 'scandalous' (the other meaning of 'sensational'), they will typically avoid sensacional and use estrepitoso or escandaloso.
- The Spanish word sensacional is a derivative of sensación, which traces its roots back to the Latin verb 'sentire', meaning 'to feel'.
- In Spanish, using sensacional can sometimes sound slightly formal or theatrical, depending on the region, making it a 'stronger' word than simply saying estupendo.
Examples in context
- Yo nunca viajo sin mi diario. Uno debería siempre tener algo sensacional para leer en el tren.I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train.This sentence shows how to use sensacional to describe something interesting to read.Tatoeba #1791328 by inastar, translation #1791327 by inastar
- Fue una victoria sensacional, pero para coronarse campeón, el equipo todavía tiene que derrotar a algunos rivales realmente duros.It was a sensational victory, but in order to be crowned champions, the team still has to defeat some really tough opponents.This sentence uses sensacional to describe a victory.Tatoeba #10712083 by carlosalberto, translation #10712065 by DJ_Saidez
- En uno de los encuentros más famosos de la historia del ajedrez, Robert James Fischer derrotó a Mark Taimanov por el sensacional marcador de 6-0 en Vancouver (1971).In one of the most famous matches in chess history, Robert James Fischer defeated Mark Taimanov by the sensational score of 6-0 in Vancouver (1971).This sentence uses sensacional to describe a score in a chess match.Tatoeba #10113001 by carlosalberto, translation #10112938 by carlosalberto
- La exhibición de arte fue extraordinariaThe art exhibition was sensational
- ¡Ese concierto estuvo increíble!That concert was sensational!
- ¡La película fue genial!The movie was sensational!
- ¡El partido de fútbol fue alucinante!The soccer game was sensational!
- ¡La actuación estuvo estupenda!The performance was sensational!
- ¡El restaurante nuevo está guay!The new restaurant is sensational!
- ¡La fiesta estuvo padre!The party was sensational!
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are talking about a new movie they just saw.
- Lucía¿Qué te pareció la película, Javier?What did you think of the movie, Javier?
- JavierFue un espectáculo sensacional.It was a sensational show.
- LucíaSí, la actuación de la protagonista fue increíble.Yes, the protagonist's acting was incredible.
- JavierTotalmente de acuerdo contigo, Lucía.I totally agree with you, Lucía.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sensacional, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sensacional, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
