Inklingo
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original

oh-ree-hee-NAL/oɾixiˈnal/

original, first

Also: authentic
A solitary, perfectly formed blue star drawn on a clean white surface, symbolizing the first or earliest form.

📝 In Action

Necesitas presentar tu pasaporte original para el trámite.

A2

You need to present your original passport for the process.

La versión original de esta canción es la mejor.

A2

The original version of this song is the best.

El plan original era ir a la playa, pero llovió.

B1

The initial plan was to go to the beach, but it rained.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • primero (first)
  • auténtico (authentic)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • documento original – original document
  • idea original – original idea (first concept)

unique, novel

Also: unusual
Four identical white sheep standing in a line in a green field, with one sheep uniquely wearing a bright red top hat, illustrating creativity and uniqueness.

📝 In Action

Su estilo de pintura es muy original y fácil de reconocer.

B1

Her painting style is very unique and easy to recognize.

Me encanta el regalo, es un detalle muy original.

B2

I love the gift, it's a very creative/thoughtful detail.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • común (common)
  • repetitivo (repetitive)

Common Collocations

  • persona original – creative person
  • diseño original – unique design

the original

Also: master copy
NounmB1
A richly colored, clear painting of a red flower displayed next to three smaller, duller, black and white copies, representing the master copy versus reproductions.

📝 In Action

Por favor, firma el original y haz una copia para ti.

B1

Please sign the original and make a copy for yourself.

El museo exhibe el original de la escultura.

B2

The museum exhibits the original of the sculpture.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • prototipo (prototype)
  • matriz (master mold/form)

Antonyms

  • copia (copy)
  • duplicado (duplicate)

Common Collocations

  • el original y la copia – the original and the copy

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: original

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'original' to mean 'creative' or 'unique'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
originalidad(originality (noun)) — Noun
originario(native, originating from (adjective)) — Adjective
origen(origin, source (noun)) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes directly from the Latin *originalis*, which is related to *origo* (meaning 'source' or 'beginning'). It has always carried the idea of being the very first instance of something.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: originalFrench: originalItalian: originale

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'original' change based on whether the noun is masculine or feminine?

No. Since 'original' ends in 'L', it is one of those helpful adjectives that stays the same whether it describes a masculine word (el documento original) or a feminine word (la obra original).

How do I say 'originality' in Spanish?

You use the related noun 'la originalidad.' For example: 'Su trabajo muestra mucha originalidad' (His work shows a lot of originality).