extraordinario
/eks-trah-or-dih-NAH-ree-oh/
extraordinary
An extraordinary skill, like a bird painting a masterpiece.
extraordinario(Adjective)
extraordinary
?amazing quality or skill
,amazing
?describing something impressive
wonderful
?general praise
,fantastic
?highly positive description
📝 In Action
La cocinera preparó un postre extraordinario para la cena.
A2The cook prepared an extraordinary dessert for dinner.
Tienes una habilidad extraordinaria para resolver problemas difíciles.
B1You have an amazing ability to solve difficult problems.
Fue un concierto extraordinario; aplaudimos durante diez minutos.
B1It was a wonderful concert; we applauded for ten minutes.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Like most Spanish adjectives, 'extraordinario' must change its ending to match the noun it describes: 'extraordinario' (m. sing.), 'extraordinaria' (f. sing.), 'extraordinarios' (m. plural), and 'extraordinarias' (f. plural).
⭐ Usage Tips
Emphasis and Placement
While it usually goes after the noun (un talento extraordinario), placing it before the noun (un extraordinario talento) often adds a literary or stronger emotional emphasis.
A special, non-regular event stands out from the ordinary.
extraordinario(Adjective)
special
?non-regular event
,unscheduled
?meeting or session
non-regular
?expense or task
📝 In Action
Tuvimos una reunión extraordinaria para discutir la crisis financiera.
B2We had a special (unscheduled) meeting to discuss the financial crisis.
Los gastos extraordinarios de este mes superaron el presupuesto.
C1The non-regular expenses this month exceeded the budget.
Se convocó a una sesión extraordinaria del congreso para votar la ley.
C1An extraordinary (special) session of congress was called to vote on the law.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Meaning Confusion
Mistake: "Using 'extraordinario' to mean 'amazing' when describing a formal meeting (e.g., 'La reunión fue extraordinaria' meaning 'The meeting was amazing')."
Correction: In formal contexts, 'reunión extraordinaria' usually means 'special/unscheduled meeting.' If you want to say the meeting was amazing, use 'excelente' or 'fantástica'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Context Clues
If you see 'extraordinario' used with words like 'sesión' (session), 'presupuesto' (budget), or 'comisión' (committee), it almost certainly refers to something outside the normal schedule or scope.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: extraordinario
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'extraordinario' to mean 'unscheduled' rather than 'amazing'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'extraordinario' ever function as a noun?
Yes, although less commonly, you might hear 'un extraordinario' (masculine noun) used in some regions or contexts to refer to a special bonus payment or a special edition of a newspaper.
Is 'extraordinario' stronger than 'increíble'?
'Extraordinario' often implies a higher level of quality or rarity—something truly exceptional that happens 'outside the ordinary.' 'Increíble' (incredible) is a common synonym for general amazement.