el fenómeno
/el fenomeno/from spelling rules
The English phrase "the phenomenon" is translated into Spanish as el fenómeno.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "the phenomena", use the plural form los fenómenos.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, calling a person un fenómeno is not an insult to their sanity, but a high compliment meaning they are a 'prodigy' or 'extraordinary'.
- The word fenómeno is an 'etymological cousin' to the English word 'phantom'. Both words trace back to the same Greek root, meaning 'to appear' or 'to show'.
- In certain slang contexts in Spain, calling someone fenómeno can be used sarcastically to mean 'smart aleck' or 'wise guy'.
Examples in context
- Nadie ha podido explicar científicamente el fenómeno.Nobody has been able to scientifically explain the phenomenon.Tatoeba #1148253 by marcelostockle, translation #1148255 by marcelostockle
- El fenómeno del cambio climático es una preocupación global.The phenomenon of climate change is a global concern.
- El fenómeno natural ocurrió durante la noche.The natural phenomenon occurred during the night.
- Estudios recientes analizan el fenómeno de la migración.Recent studies analyze the phenomenon of migration.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are looking at a strange natural light in the sky.
- Lucía¡Mira el cielo! ¿Qué es el fenómeno?Look at the sky! What is the phenomenon?
- MateoNo lo sé, Lucía, es muy raro.I don't know, Lucía, it's very strange.
- LucíaCreo que es una aurora boreal.I think it is a northern light.
- MateoTienes razón, Mateo lo confirma ahora.You are right, Mateo confirms it now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries el, fenómeno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
