la persona más inteligente
/la peɾsona mas intelixente/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'smartest person' is translated into Spanish as la persona más inteligente.
This phrase is used to describe an individual who possesses the highest level of intelligence compared to others.
Which one should you use?
While inteligente refers to intellectual capacity, the alternative la persona más lista often implies being 'clever' or 'quick-witted'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you may hear el más listo used for the 'smartest person' in informal settings. In some Latin American countries, such as Mexico and parts of Central America, the expression el más inteligente is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase la persona más inteligente uses the feminine article la because persona is a feminine noun, regardless of the gender of the person being described. If the smartest person is specifically a male, the article and noun change to the masculine forms el hombre más inteligente.
Did you know?
- While inteligente describes a high IQ, Spanish speakers use espabilado to describe a 'smart person' who is street-wise and avoids being cheated.
- While 'smartest person' sounds purely intellectual in English, calling someone el más listo in Spanish can sometimes imply they are 'sneaky' or 'cunning' rather than just academic.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, being 'the smartest' is often described through the concept of 'chispa' or 'spark', implying quickness of wit rather than just book learning.
Examples in context
- Eres la persona más inteligente que he conocido.You're the smartest person I've ever met.This sentence is useful for saying that someone is the smartest person you have ever met using la persona más inteligente.Tatoeba #9130674 by rafaeldejesus8199, translation #7859041 by Hybrid
- Si eres la persona más inteligente de la habitación, estás en la habitación equivocada.If you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room.This sentence is useful for expressing the idea that if you are the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room using la persona más inteligente.Tatoeba #13911199 by rul, translation #9024723 by shekitten
- Ella es el individuo más inteligente en su campoShe is the smartest individual in her field
- El científico que fue premiado es la persona más inteligente en su áreaThe scientist who was awarded is the smartest person in his field
- El profesor de matemáticas es el más brillante de toda la universidadThe math professor is the smartest/brightest in the entire university
- Carlos siempre es el más listo en el grupoCarlos is always the smartest in the group
- Marcos es el más sabio de todos nosotrosMarcos is the smartest/wisest among all of us
- Ella es la persona más inteligente de la clase.She is the smartest person in the class.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are discussing their colleague at work.
- Mateo¿Crees que Roberto es la persona más inteligente del equipo?Do you think Roberto is the smartest person on the team?
- MaríaSí, es la persona más inteligente que conozco.Yes, he is the smartest person I know.
- MateoSu capacidad para resolver problemas es increíble.His ability to solve problems is incredible.
- MaríaTienes razón, siempre tiene las mejores ideas.You're right, he always has the best ideas.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
