esto es genial
/esto es xenjal/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'this is great' is translated into Spanish as esto es genial.
This expression is used to say that something is very good or impressive. While esto es genial is a common way to express enthusiasm, you might also use esto es estupendo to convey that something is great or wonderful or esto está muy bien for a more neutral way to say something is very good or satisfactory.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of esto (this), es (is) and genial (great/wonderful).
Which one should you use?
esto es genial is used for abstract concepts or situations. However, if you are referring to a specific person or a specific noun with gender, you should use este es genial (masculine) or esta es genial (feminine).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, such as Mexico, you may encounter the colloquial term esto está chido to describe something as 'cool' or 'great' or the slang phrase esto está padrísimo to mean something is 'awesome' or 'amazing'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The pronoun esto is the neuter form of 'this', which is used when referring to an abstract situation, an idea or an unidentified object.
Did you know?
- While genial means 'great' in Spanish, the English word 'genial' means 'friendly and cheerful', creating a false friend for learners.
- The word genial shares its roots with the Latin word for 'guardian spirit', which once referred to the divine being protecting a person or place.
- In Spanish, the word genial can describe someone with a great sense of humor or a brilliant mind, but it is not used to describe someone's physical size or strength.
Examples in context
- Esto es genial.This is great.This sentence demonstrates how to use esto es genial.Tatoeba #4329314 by pchamorro, translation #2233689 by CK
- ¡Esto es genial para el verano!This is great for the summer!
- Mira el nuevo diseño, esto es genial.Look at the new design, this is great.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are looking at a new art gallery.
- LucíaMira esta pintura, esto es genial.Look at this painting, this is great.
- MateoSí, Lucía, es impresionante.Yes, Lucía, it is impressive.
- LucíaMe encanta toda la exposición.I love the whole exhibition.
- MateoA mí también me parece genial.I also think it is great.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries es, esto, genial, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
