inteligente
neutral
The standard word for "smart" is inteligente. In Mexico you also hear listo for clever and abusado for someone sharp and alert, especially in slang.
Meaning: clever, quick to learn (adjective)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| inteligente | neutral |
| listo | neutral, clever |
| abusado | Mexico, slang, sharp |
Inteligente fits school and work, as in Es muy inteligente. Estar abusado means to be on the ball, and ¡Abusado! can also warn you to watch out.
Which one should you use?
Listo changes meaning with the verb. Ser listo is clever, while estar listo is ready.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Abusado is distinctly Mexican and carries the idea of street smarts, not just book smarts.
Did you know?
- The grade ten is the top score in Mexican schools, which use a scale from 0 to 10.
Examples in context
- Tu hija es muy inteligente.Your daughter is very smart.
- Es un niño muy listo.He is a very clever boy.
- Ponte abusado con ese trato.Stay sharp with that deal.
Example conversation
Professor Beatriz talks with student Héctor after an exam in Mexico City.
- BeatrizHéctor, sacaste diez. Qué inteligente.Héctor, you got a ten. How smart.
- HéctorGracias, maestra. Estudié mucho.Thanks, professor. I studied a lot.
- BeatrizSigue así, y ponte abusado en el examen final.Keep it up, and stay sharp on the final exam.
