ingenioso
/een-hen-YOH-soh/
witty
Someone who is 'ingenioso' can use their wit to make others laugh with clever humor.
ingenioso(adjective)
witty
?referring to a person's humor or remarks
,clever
?referring to a person's mental quickness
sharp
?meaning someone who thinks fast
,bright
?describing an intelligent person
📝 In Action
Su discurso fue muy ingenioso y todos se rieron.
B1His speech was very witty and everyone laughed.
Es un niño ingenioso que siempre tiene una respuesta para todo.
A2He is a clever boy who always has an answer for everything.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Agreement
Remember that this word must match the person or thing you are describing. Use 'ingenioso' for masculine words and 'ingeniosa' for feminine words.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Ingenioso vs. Genial
Mistake: "Using 'ingenioso' to mean 'great' or 'awesome'."
Correction: Use 'genial' for 'great'. Use 'ingenioso' specifically for someone who is 'clever' or 'funny' in a smart way.
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing Humor
Use this word when someone makes a joke that is not just funny, but also requires smart thinking to understand.
An 'ingenioso' solution shows creativity and cleverness in solving a problem.
ingenioso(adjective)
ingenious
?referring to a solution, invention, or plan
,resourceful
?referring to a way of solving a problem
inventive
?describing a creative design
📝 In Action
Encontraron una solución ingeniosa para ahorrar agua.
B2They found an ingenious solution to save water.
Es un sistema ingenioso de poleas.
C1It is an ingenious system of pulleys.
💡 Grammar Points
Placement with Nouns
When you put 'ingenioso' after a noun, it simply describes it. If you put it before (e.g., 'un ingenioso plan'), it adds a bit of poetic emphasis to how clever the plan is.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: ingenioso
Question 1 of 1
If someone solves a difficult puzzle in a very creative way, they are being...
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'inteligente' and 'ingenioso'?
While 'inteligente' is a general term for having a high capacity for learning, 'ingenioso' specifically refers to being quick-witted, funny, or very creative at solving specific problems.
Is 'ingenioso' ever used as a bad thing?
Not usually. It is almost always a compliment. However, if said with a sarcastic tone, it could imply someone is being 'too clever for their own good.'