Inklingo

extraordinario

eks-trah-or-dih-NAH-ree-ohekstɾaoɾðiˈnaɾjo

extraordinario means extraordinary in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

extraordinary, amazing

Also: wonderful, fantastic
A small, brightly colored bird standing on a wooden easel, holding a tiny paintbrush in its beak, carefully adding a final touch to a miniature, detailed landscape painting.

📝 In Action

La cocinera preparó un postre extraordinario para la cena.

A2

The cook prepared an extraordinary dessert for dinner.

Tienes una habilidad extraordinaria para resolver problemas difíciles.

B1

You have an amazing ability to solve difficult problems.

Fue un concierto extraordinario; aplaudimos durante diez minutos.

B1

It was a wonderful concert; we applauded for ten minutes.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • increíble (incredible)
  • fabuloso (fabulous)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • talento extraordinarioextraordinary talent
  • belleza extraordinariaextraordinary beauty

special, unscheduled

Also: non-regular
AdjectivemB2formal
A single, vibrant red hot air balloon floating above a field filled only with dull gray, ordinary pebbles, emphasizing its uniqueness.

📝 In Action

Tuvimos una reunión extraordinaria para discutir la crisis financiera.

B2

We had a special (unscheduled) meeting to discuss the financial crisis.

Los gastos extraordinarios de este mes superaron el presupuesto.

C1

The non-regular expenses this month exceeded the budget.

Se convocó a una sesión extraordinaria del congreso para votar la ley.

C1

An extraordinary (special) session of congress was called to vote on the law.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • reunión extraordinariaspecial meeting
  • gastos extraordinariosnon-regular expenses

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: extraordinario

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'extraordinario' to mean 'unscheduled' rather than 'amazing'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology

This word comes from the Latin phrase *extra ordinem*, meaning 'outside the order' or 'beyond the usual rule.' This perfectly captures both Spanish meanings: something amazing (beyond the usual standard) and something unscheduled (beyond the usual routine).

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: extraordinaryFrench: extraordinaire

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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.