That's cool
in SpanishQué genial
/kay hen-ee-AHL/
This is your safest bet. It's a widely understood and neutral way to say something is 'cool' or 'great,' similar to 'How awesome!' in English. Perfect for when you're unsure of local slang.
Just like skateboards, the word for 'cool' changes depending on where you are. Let's learn the local lingo!
💬Other Ways to Say It
Qué guay
/kay GWAI/
The quintessential way to say 'cool' in Spain. It's extremely common in everyday conversation among all age groups, though especially popular with younger people.
Qué chido
/kay CHEE-doh/
This is signature Mexican slang for 'cool.' If you're in Mexico, you'll hear this constantly. It carries a friendly, laid-back vibe.
Qué chévere
/kay CHEH-veh-ray/
A very widespread and popular term for 'cool' across much of Latin America, especially in the Caribbean and northern South America. It's upbeat and positive.
Qué padre
/kay PAH-dray/
Another Mexican classic, literally meaning 'How father!'. It's used just like 'qué chido' to mean 'cool' or 'great'. It can sound slightly more wholesome than 'chido'.
Qué bacán / Qué bacano
/kay bah-KAHN / kay bah-KAH-noh/
Common slang in several South American countries, particularly in the Andean region. The ending changes ('bacán' or 'bacano') depending on the country.
Qué copado
/kay coh-PAH-doh/
The go-to word for 'cool' in Argentina and Uruguay. It's an essential piece of the local 'Rioplatense' dialect.
Qué mola
/kay MOH-lah/
A very informal, slangy expression from Spain, often associated with younger speakers. It comes from the verb 'molar' (to be cool).
Qué chulo
/kay CHOO-loh/
In Spain, this means 'cool' or 'neat,' often used for objects or appearances. In some parts of the Caribbean, it can also mean 'cute' or 'good-looking'. Be aware that in Mexico, 'chulo' can mean 'pimp', so context is key!
Está bueno
/es-TAH BWAY-noh/
A more literal and less slangy option, meaning 'It's good.' While it doesn't have the same punch as the regional slang, it's universally understood and can convey 'cool' in many contexts.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Choosing the right word for 'cool' depends heavily on where you are. Here’s a quick comparison of the most common options.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qué genial | Casual / Neutral | Any situation when you're unsure of the local slang; it's universally understood. | Very formal settings, where 'excelente' would be better. |
| Qué guay | Casual | Everyday conversations with friends and peers in Spain. | Outside of Spain, as it's not commonly used and will sound foreign. |
| Qué chido / padre | Casual | Sounding like a local and expressing enthusiasm in Mexico. | In any other country, where it will be immediately identified as Mexican slang. |
| Qué chévere | Casual | A wide range of countries in Latin America, especially the Caribbean and northern South America. | In Spain or Argentina, where other terms are much more common. |
📈Difficulty Level
Most words are phonetically simple for English speakers. 'Guay' might take one try, but it's not difficult.
These are fixed expressions. You don't need to worry about conjugations or sentence structure, just say the phrase.
This is the hardest part. Knowing which of the many options to use in which country and context requires a lot of exposure and practice.
Key Challenges:
- Memorizing which slang belongs to which region.
- Avoiding the literal translation 'frío'.
- Sounding natural and not forced when using slang.
💡Examples in Action
—Mira mis nuevos audífonos. —¡Wow, qué genial! ¿Funcionan bien?
—Look at my new headphones. —Wow, that's cool! Do they work well?
Fui a un concierto de rock anoche en la Ciudad de México. ¡Estuvo muy chido!
I went to a rock concert last night in Mexico City. It was so cool!
¿Viste la nueva película de Almodóvar? Es muy guay, te va a encantar.
Did you see the new Almodóvar movie? It's really cool, you're going to love it.
Mi hermana consiguió un trabajo en Bogotá. ¡Qué chévere!
My sister got a job in Bogotá. That's so cool!
🌍Cultural Context
Slang is Hyper-Regional
The word for 'cool' is one of the best examples of regional differences in Spanish. Using the right term ('chido' in Mexico, 'guay' in Spain) will make you sound much more like a local. Using the wrong one isn't offensive, but it will immediately mark you as an outsider.
From 'Father' to 'Cool'
Yes, 'padre' means 'father,' but in Mexico, '¡qué padre!' means 'How cool!'. This is a classic example of how words can take on completely new slang meanings. Don't be confused; no one is talking about their dad when they say this in reaction to good news.
A Sign of Friendliness
Using these informal expressions is a great way to build rapport and show friendliness. When you make the effort to use local slang correctly, people often appreciate it and see it as a sign that you're genuinely interested in their culture.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Frío' for 'Cool'
Mistake: "Saying something like 'Eso es frío' to mean 'That's cool'."
Correction: Use a proper slang term like 'Qué genial' or 'Qué chido'.
Mixing Up Regions
Mistake: "Using 'qué guay' while talking to someone in Mexico, or 'qué padre' in Spain."
Correction: Try to match the slang to the region you're in or the person you're speaking with.
Using Slang in Formal Situations
Mistake: "Telling your boss, 'Su presentación estuvo muy chida'."
Correction: In formal contexts, use more neutral words like 'excelente', 'muy buena', or 'interesante'.
💡Pro Tips
When in Doubt, Go 'Genial'
If you're not sure which regional slang to use, 'qué genial' is your best friend. It's understood everywhere, sounds positive and enthusiastic, and you won't risk using the wrong local term.
Listen First, Then Speak
The best way to learn which word for 'cool' to use is by listening to the people around you. Pay attention to what your friends, colleagues, or people on the street are saying. Once you hear a term used a few times, try it out yourself.
Tone is Everything
Saying 'qué guay' or 'qué chido' isn't just about the words; it's about the enthusiastic delivery. Make sure your tone of voice matches the positive meaning. Say it with a smile and a little energy.
🗺️Regional Variations
Spain
Usage of 'guay' is widespread across all ages, though particularly prevalent among people under 50. 'Qué mola' is stronger slang used more by teenagers and young adults. 'Es la caña' is another very Spanish way to say something is 'the best' or 'awesome'.
Mexico
'Chido' and 'padre' are iconic markers of Mexican Spanish and are used with great frequency in all casual contexts. Adding the '-ísimo' suffix (padrísimo) is a common way to intensify the meaning to 'super cool'.
Argentina
The slang here is very distinct from other regions. 'Copado' and 'piola' are staples of the local dialect. 'Es una masa' (literally 'it's a dough') is a fun, informal way to say something or someone is great.
Colombia
Colombia is a big user of both 'chévere' and 'bacano'. They are friendly, all-purpose words for anything positive. Be very careful with 'del putas', as it contains a swear word but is used by some to mean 'f-ing awesome'. Best to avoid it until you are very comfortable with local norms.
💬What Comes Next?
After you say something is cool
Sí, ¿verdad?
Yeah, right?
Sí, me encanta.
Yes, I love it.
You compliment their new phone as 'qué chido'
¡Gracias! Lo acabo de comprar.
Thanks! I just bought it.
Hiciste una buena elección.
You made a good choice.
You react to their fun weekend plans with 'qué guay'
¿Quieres venir con nosotros?
Do you want to come with us?
¡Claro que sí! Me apunto.
Of course! I'm in.
🧠Memory Tricks
This sound association connects an English question word to the Spanish slang, making it easier to recall in context.
This visual and phonetic link creates a memorable image that connects a popular snack with the Mexican slang for 'cool'.
🔄How It Differs from English
In English, the word 'cool' is a nearly universal piece of slang understood across the UK, USA, Australia, and beyond. In Spanish, there is no single universal slang equivalent. The right word is intensely dependent on the country, making it a key indicator of where a speaker is from.
False Friends & Common Confusions:
Why it's different: Translating this as 'Está frío' refers to temperature and means 'It is cold'. This is a very common mistake for beginners.
Use instead: Use 'Está genial' or a regional equivalent like 'Está chido'.
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
How to say 'That's awesome!' in Spanish
This is the next step up in enthusiasm from 'cool'.
How to say 'That's lame' in Spanish
Learning the opposite helps you express a full range of opinions.
How to say 'I like it' in Spanish
This is a more direct way to express your positive opinion about something.
How to say 'Really?' in Spanish
A natural way to respond when someone tells you something cool or surprising.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: That's cool
Question 1 of 3
You're in Madrid with a friend who just got tickets to a concert. What's the most natural way to say 'That's cool!'?
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the single most common way to say 'cool' in Spanish?
There isn't one single way! It completely depends on the country. If you need a safe, universal option, use 'qué genial'. Otherwise, it's 'qué guay' in Spain, 'qué chido' in Mexico, 'qué chévere' in Colombia, and 'qué copado' in Argentina.
Can I just say the English word 'cool' when speaking Spanish?
Some younger, bilingual speakers might use or understand the English word 'cool', but it's not Spanish. It's much better to learn the local equivalent to sound more natural and connect better with people.
Are all these phrases informal?
Yes, all of these expressions are considered informal or casual slang. In a formal or professional situation, you should use more neutral adjectives like 'excelente' (excellent), 'impresionante' (impressive), or 'muy bueno' (very good).
What's the difference between 'qué chido' and 'qué padre' in Mexico?
They are very similar and often interchangeable, both meaning 'cool' or 'great'. Some people feel 'padre' is slightly milder or more family-friendly, while 'chido' is a bit more like street slang, but in practice, they are used in the same situations.
What if I use the wrong slang in the wrong country?
Don't worry, it's not a serious offense! People will understand what you mean, but they will also know exactly where you learned your Spanish. It's a fun conversation starter, but your goal should be to adapt to the local way of speaking.
How do I make these expressions sound more emphatic?
To add emphasis, you can add 'muy' (very) before the adjective (e.g., 'Está muy chido') or use a superlative suffix like '-ísimo' (e.g., '¡Está padrísimo!'). Your enthusiastic tone of voice is also very important.
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