What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of tan, meaning "so" and genial, which means "great" or "cool" in this context.
Which one should you use?
While tan genial translates to "so cool", it is worth noting that in many contexts genial is more frequently used to mean "great" or "wonderful" than the specific English slang "cool".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase tan genial is an informal way to express that something is great or awesome. Other informal alternatives include ¡Qué chévere!, which expresses excitement or ¡Increíble!, which means "incredible".
Is it said differently in some regions?
Different regions of the Spanish-speaking world use different informal expressions for "cool": * In Spain, you can use qué guay to say "how cool" or the phrase de puta madre to convey that something is "really cool". * In Mexico, qué padre is a common informal way to say "how cool". * In several South American countries, such as Chile and Colombia, qué bacán is a common informal way to say "how cool". * In Latin America, the phrase ¡Qué chévere! is used to express excitement.
Did you know?
- The word genial comes from the Latin genius, referring to a guardian spirit. Originally, it described things that were festive or related to a spirit's influence.
- In Spain, using the phrase de puta madre to mean 'so cool' is common among friends, but it is much more vulgar than the English 'so cool'. You should avoid using it in formal settings or around elders.
- The word chévere is a popular way to say 'cool' in many Latin American countries, but its exact origins are debated. Some linguists believe it may have roots in African languages brought to the Caribbean.
Examples in context
- Es tan genial.This is so cool.This sentence is useful for seeing how to say "This is so cool" using tan genial.Tatoeba #4329337 by pchamorro, translation #2892242 by CK
- ¡Wow, la exposición de arte fue impresionante! Los cuadros eran realmente asombrosos.Wow, the art exhibition was so cool! The paintings were truly amazing.
- El nuevo restaurante en el centro es estupendo. La comida es deliciosa y el servicio impecable.The new restaurant downtown is so cool. The food is delicious, and the service impeccable.
- ¡El concierto estuvo genial! ¡La banda tocó mis canciones favoritas!The concert was so cool! The band played my favorite songs!
- ¡Acabo de comprarme una bicicleta nueva! ¡Qué chévere!I just bought a new bike! So cool!
- El nuevo videojuego es de pelos. No puedo parar de jugarlo.The new video game is so cool. I can't stop playing it.
- Tu nuevo coche es tan genial.Your new car is so cool.
- Ese plan suena tan genial.That plan sounds so cool.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are looking at a new gadget.
- LucíaMira este teléfono, es tan genial.Look at this phone, it is so cool.
- AlejandroTienes razón, me encanta.You are right, I love it.
- LucíaPodemos hacer muchas cosas con él.We can do many things with it.
- AlejandroSí, es increíble.Yes, it is incredible.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries genial, tan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
