tan inteligente
/tan intelixente/from spelling rules
The English phrase "so smart" is translated into Spanish as tan inteligente.
Tan inteligente is a way to say so smart in Spanish. Other ways to express high intelligence include muy listo/a or the colloquial term un genio (a genius).
Which one should you use?
In contrast, muy inteligente is the standard way to say "very smart" as a simple intensifier.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in number with the subject. For example, use tan inteligentes when referring to multiple people.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use muy inteligente when they intend to express the "so… that…" construction, which requires tan.
Did you know?
- In some regions, the phrase ser un hacha literally means 'to be an axe' but is used as an idiom to say someone is exceptionally smart or skilled at a task.
- In Spain, the word listo can mean 'smart' or 'ready'. Depending on the context, telling someone they are muy listo could mean they are very clever or simply that they are prepared to leave.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone un genio can be used sarcastically to mean the exact opposite of 'so smart' if they have just made a mistake.
Examples in context
- Ella era tan inteligente.She was so smart.Tatoeba #12955783 by mexicanhere, translation #12871353 by Ussis
- Mi hermano es tan inteligente e ingenioso que no le puedo ganar en una discusión.My brother is so smart and witty that I cannot beat him in an argument.Tatoeba #855224 by cdani, translation #250701 by magnificentgoddess
- Mi profesor es tan inteligenteMy teacher is so smart
- Ella es muy listaShe is very smart
- Nuestro científico es muy inteligenteOur scientist is very smart
- Mi hermana es re inteligenteMy sister is so smart
- Mi mejor amigo es súper listoMy best friend is super smart
- Mi hija es tan inteligente que siempre obtiene las mejores calificaciones.My daughter is so smart that she always gets the best grades.
- ¡Esa solución es súper lista! Nunca lo habría pensado.That solution is so smart! I would have never thought of it.
- Ese niño es tan inteligente.That boy is so smart.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are discussing a student in their class.
- Lucía¿Viste el examen de Carlos?Did you see Carlos's exam?
- JavierSí, él es tan inteligente.Yes, he is so smart.
- Lucía¡Es verdad!It's true!
- JavierSiempre tiene las mejores ideas.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.
