What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of esto (this), es (is), lo (the/the thing) and mejor (best).
Which one should you use?
Use Esto es lo mejor when referring to an abstract concept, a situation or an unidentified object, rather than a specific gendered noun. If you want to say "It is the best", you can simply say Es lo mejor, as the subject Esto is often dropped in natural conversation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the phrase Esto es lo más de lo más is used to convey that something is the best. In Mexico, if you want to say "This is really cool" using slang, you can use Esto está bien chido or Esto está bien chingón.
How does it change in a sentence?
In this construction, the neuter article lo is used to turn the adjective mejor into a substantive noun phrase meaning "the best thing" or "the best part".
How do you pronounce it?
/esto es lo mexoɾ/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, saying lo mejor can be used ironically to describe a disaster, similar to saying 'this is just great' in English.
- The English word 'ameliorate', meaning to make something better, shares the same ancient root as the Spanish word mejor. Both come from a Proto-Indo-European word meaning 'strong' or 'big'.
Examples in context
- ¡Esto es lo mejor que me ha pasado!This is the best thing that has happened to me!
- Esto es lo mejor para tu salud.This is the best for your health.
- No te preocupes, esto es lo mejor.Don't worry, this is the best.
- Si quieres viajar, esto es lo mejor.If you want to travel, this is the best.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are looking at different travel packages.
- JavierMira este hotel, tiene una vista increíble.Look at this hotel, it has an incredible view.
- SofíaTienes razón, esto es lo mejor.You are right, this is the best.
- Javier¿Reservamos la habitación ahora mismo?Shall we book the room right now?
- SofíaSí, hagámoslo antes de que se agote.Yes, let's do it before it sells out.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries es, esto, lo, mejor, CC BY-SA 4.0.
