Esto es genial
/esto es xenjal/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "this is nice" can be translated in several ways depending on the context, with Esto es genial being the default form.
While Esto es genial literally translates to "This is great" or "This is cool", it is often used where an English speaker might say "nice" to express enthusiasm. If you want to convey a sense of pleasantness or comfort rather than excitement, you should use Esto es agradable.
Which one should you use?
While Esto es genial is used to express enthusiasm, Esto es agradable is used to describe something that is pleasant or comfortable. If you want to add a connotation of being enchanting or charming, you can use Esto es encantador.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the colloquial and informal expression Esto está padre is used to mean "this is cool/nice". In Argentina, the informal phrase esto está copado is used to express that something is cool. In some regions of Spain, esto está guapo is used to convey a similar meaning.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word esto is the neuter form of "this", used when referring to an abstract situation or an unidentified object.
Did you know?
- In Mexico, calling something padre literally translates to 'father', but in this context, it functions as a slang term for 'cool' or 'nice'.
- The English word 'genius' and the Spanish genial both stem from a Latin concept regarding a 'guardian spirit' that accompanied a person.
- In Spain, saying esto está guapo to mean 'this is nice' uses a word that usually means 'handsome'. This is similar to how an English speaker might call a car 'sexy' to describe its design.
Examples in context
- Sí, esto es bonito.Yes, this is nice/beautiful.
- ¡Esto está genial!This is great!
- Esto es genial.This is nice.
- ¡Esto es genial para nosotros!This is great for us!
- Mira, esto es genial.Look, this is nice.
Example conversation
Javier and María are looking at a new park.
- JavierMira este parque, esto es genial.Look at this park, this is nice.
- MaríaSí, es muy bonito.Yes, it is very pretty.
- JavierMe encanta caminar por aquí.I love walking around here.
- MaríaA mí también, Javier.Me too, Javier.
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.
