original
/oh-ree-hee-NAL/
original
The first or earliest form of something is the original.
📝 In Action
Necesitas presentar tu pasaporte original para el trámite.
A2You need to present your original passport for the process.
La versión original de esta canción es la mejor.
A2The original version of this song is the best.
El plan original era ir a la playa, pero llovió.
B1The initial plan was to go to the beach, but it rained.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Since 'original' ends in -l, it stays the same whether the noun is masculine (el documento original) or feminine (la versión original).
⭐ Usage Tips
Placement
When 'original' means 'first' or 'genuine,' it usually comes after the noun it describes.
Something creative or inventive is considered original.
📝 In Action
Su estilo de pintura es muy original y fácil de reconocer.
B1Her painting style is very unique and easy to recognize.
Me encanta el regalo, es un detalle muy original.
B2I love the gift, it's a very creative/thoughtful detail.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'Qué'
You can use '¡Qué original!' as a compliment, meaning 'How unique/creative!'
The first or master copy of a work is referred to as the original.
📝 In Action
Por favor, firma el original y haz una copia para ti.
B1Please sign the original and make a copy for yourself.
El museo exhibe el original de la escultura.
B2The museum exhibits the original of the sculpture.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'El'
When using 'original' as a noun (meaning the physical item itself), you must use the masculine article 'el' (el original).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Noun and Adjective
Mistake: "Using 'la original' when referring to a document."
Correction: Even if the document is feminine (la factura), the noun referring to the master copy is masculine: 'el original'. (e.g., 'Necesito el original de la factura.')
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: original
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'original' to mean 'creative' or 'unique'?
📚 More Resources
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).