suena genial
/swena xenjal/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'sounds great' is translated into Spanish as suena genial.
You use this expression to show that you agree with a suggestion or think a plan is a good idea.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb suena (it sounds) and the adjective genial (great/wonderful).
Which one should you use?
While suena bien means 'sounds good' and serves as a neutral way to respond, suena genial is more enthusiastic and stronger. You may also use suena estupendo as a common synonym that can be used interchangeably in most contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Suena genial is the informal equivalent of 'sounds great'. For more formal or elegant situations, you can use suena de maravilla to say 'sounds wonderful' or Parece maravilloso to convey that something sounds wonderful or marvelous.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb suena is in the third-person singular form, which is used because the subject (the idea or plan) is implied.
Did you know?
- The word genial shares the same root as the English word 'genius', as both come from the Latin 'genius' meaning a 'guardian spirit'.
- While suena genial is used for plans, Spanish speakers often use the verb quedar to arrange the actual meeting, which literally means 'to remain'.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you want to sound even more enthusiastic than suena genial, you might say suena de lujo, which literally translates to 'it sounds like luxury'.
Examples in context
- ¡Suena genial!It sounds great!This sentence is useful for an enthusiastic exclamation using suena genial.Tatoeba #4557785 by swyter, translation #66736 by CK
- Tu plan suena genial.Your plan sounds great.This sentence is useful for describing how a specific plan suena genial.Tatoeba #866032 by SalsaVioleta, translation #17357 by CK
- Suena fenomenal, me encantaría participar en el proyecto contigo.Sounds great, I would love to participate in the project with you.
- El plan que has propuesto parece maravilloso, estoy completamente de acuerdo.The plan you have proposed sounds great, I completely agree.
- Esa idea de ir a la playa suena genial.That idea of going to the beach sounds great.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- Elena¿Quieres pedir pizza esta noche?Do you want to order pizza tonight?
- Alejandro¡Suena genial, Elena!That sounds great, Elena!
- ElenaPerfecto, voy a llamar al restaurante.Perfect, I'm going to call the restaurant.
- AlejandroGracias, yo elijo los ingredientes.Thanks, I'll choose the toppings.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries genial, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
