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genial and Spanish genial
In English
genial
friendly / warm-hearted
In Spanish
genial
increíble
Spanish "genial" means: great / awesome
Why they get mixed up Spanish "genial" means excellent, brilliant, or very talented. English "genial" means friendly, warm, or good-natured. What's a compliment about talent in Spanish is a compliment about character in English.
If you want to say...
- genialafable o cordial
- greatgenial (estupendo)
- brilliantgenial (brillante)
Examples
He's a genial host.
Es un anfitrión cordial.
She gave a genial smile.
Dio una sonrisa amable.
The professor has a genial manner that puts students at ease.
El profesor tiene un trato cordial que tranquiliza a los alumnos.
He greeted us with genial warmth.
Nos saludó con una calidez afable.
Common mistakes in Spanish
Incorrect: Su sonrisa genial nos tranquilizó.
Correct: Su sonrisa afable nos tranquilizó.
Genial in Spanish means great or brilliant. For a warm, friendly manner, use afable or cordial.
Incorrect: Fue una reunión genial, todos fueron muy educados.
Correct: Fue una reunión cordial, todos fueron muy educados.
Use cordial for a polite, friendly meeting.
Phrases you will hear
- a genial hostun anfitrión afable
- a genial smileuna sonrisa cordial
- a genial atmosphereun ambiente agradable
- a genial mannerun trato afable
- greatgenial (estupendo)
- awesomegenial (increíble)
In a conversation
- A:
The host was very genial.
El anfitrión fue muy afable.
- B:
Yes, a warm smile.
Sí, una sonrisa cálida.
- A:
Your idea is "genial" too!
¡Tu idea también es genial!
- B:
In English we say great, not genial.
En inglés decimos great, no genial.
Test yourself
"A genial person" is someone who is...
To remember it
Genial (English) = friendly/warm-hearted. Amazing (Spanish "genial") = great/awesome.
Frequently asked questions
What does Spanish "genial" mean?
Spanish "genial" means "great / awesome". It looks like the English "genial", which is exactly why it gets confused, but "genial" means "friendly / warm-hearted".
Does English "genial" mean the same as Spanish "genial"?
Spanish "genial" means excellent, brilliant, or very talented. English "genial" means friendly, warm, or good-natured. What's a compliment about talent in Spanish is a compliment about character in English.