You are very smart
in SpanishEres muy inteligente
/EH-rehs MOO-ee een-teh-lee-HEN-teh/
This is the safest and most common way to compliment someone's intellect. It works in any Spanish-speaking country and in both formal and informal situations.
Complimenting someone's intelligence is a powerful way to build confidence and rapport!
💬Other Ways to Say It
Eres muy listo / lista
/EH-rehs MOO-ee LEES-toh / LEES-tah/
A very common alternative that implies someone is 'sharp' or 'quick-witted'.
Eres un genio / una genia
/EH-rehs oon HEH-nee-oh / OO-nah HEH-nee-ah/
Literally 'You are a genius'. It's enthusiastic and high-praise.
Eres muy capaz
/EH-rehs MOO-ee kah-PAHS/
This means 'You are very capable' and focuses on competence and skill.
Eres muy pilas
/EH-rehs MOO-ee PEE-lahs/
Literally 'You are very batteries', meaning you are sharp, alert, and smart.
Eres un coco
/EH-rehs oon KOH-koh/
Calling someone a 'coco' (coconut) refers to the head, suggesting they have a big brain.
Sos un bocho
/SOHS oon BOH-choh/
'Bocho' is slang for 'head'. This is a very common way to call someone smart in the Southern Cone.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Choose the right word based on how you want to describe their intelligence.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inteligente | Neutral | General praise for anyone. | Never; it's always safe. |
| Listo/a | Informal | Practical cleverness. | Formal business meetings. |
| Capaz | Formal | Professional competency. | Telling a small child they are smart. |
| Pilas | Slang | Quick thinking (Colombia). | Outside of specific Latin regions. |
📈Difficulty Level
The 'g' in inteligente sounds like a breathy 'h', which is different from English but easy to mimic.
You just need to remember to use the verb 'ser' and match the ending of 'listo/a' to the person's gender.
Regional slang like 'pilas' or 'bocho' adds a layer of complexity but makes you sound like a local.
Key Challenges:
- Distinguishing 'ser listo' from 'estar listo'
- Applying gender endings correctly
- Using regional slang appropriately
💡Examples in Action
¡Qué buena idea! Eres muy inteligente.
What a great idea! You are very smart.
Usted es muy capaz, confío en su decisión.
You are very capable, I trust your decision.
No te preocupes, sé que eres muy listo y lo resolverás.
Don't worry, I know you are very clever and you'll solve it.
🌍Cultural Context
The Dual Nature of 'Listo'
In Spanish, the word 'listo' is a bit of a trickster. When you use it with the verb for permanent traits (ser), it means 'smart' or 'clever'. However, if you use it with the verb for temporary states (estar), it simply means 'ready'. Be careful which verb you use!
Gender Matters
Most Spanish adjectives must match the person you are talking to. If you are telling a woman she is smart, use 'lista' or 'genia'. If you are talking to a man, use 'listo' or 'genio'. 'Inteligente' and 'capaz' are gender-neutral and work for everyone!
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Estar' instead of 'Ser'
Mistake: "Estás muy inteligente."
Correction: Eres muy inteligente.
Forgetting Gender for 'Genio'
Mistake: "Eres una genio."
Correction: Eres una genia (or) Eres un genio.
💡Pro Tips
Inteligente vs. Listo
Use 'inteligente' for academic or deep intellectual ability. Use 'listo' for 'street smarts' or being quick-thinking in a specific situation.
The 'Pilas' Trick
To remember 'pilas' (batteries), think of someone being fully charged and alert. It's a very positive, high-energy way to call someone smart in Colombia.
🗺️Regional Variations
Spain
In Spain, calling someone an 'hacha' (ax) means they are very sharp or skilled at something.
Mexico
'Trucha' means trout, and telling someone 'ponte trucha' means 'be smart/alert'. Calling someone 'trucha' implies they are very sharp.
Argentina
The use of 'voseo' (using 'sos' instead of 'eres') is essential in Argentina to sound natural.
💬What Comes Next?
They thank you for the compliment
Gracias, qué amable eres.
Thank you, how kind of you.
Es la verdad.
It's the truth.
They act humble
No es para tanto.
It's not that big of a deal.
En serio, lo hiciste muy bien.
Seriously, you did it very well.
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
How to say you're welcome
You'll need this after they thank you for the compliment.
How to say good job
Complements the 'you are smart' phrase when praising someone's work.
How to describe people
Expands your vocabulary for describing traits beyond just intelligence.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: You are very smart
Question 1 of 2
If you are in a formal job interview and want to tell the interviewer they are very competent and smart, which should you use?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'inteligente' the same for men and women?
Yes! Unlike many other adjectives, 'inteligente' ends in an 'e', so it doesn't change based on gender. You can say 'Él es inteligente' or 'Ella es inteligente'.
Can I use 'listo' for a child?
Absolutely! In fact, 'listo' is very common when talking to children because it implies they are 'bright' or 'quick' learners.
What is the most common slang for 'smart' in Mexico?
While 'inteligente' is used, calling someone a 'coco' or saying they are 'muy trucha' are very popular informal ways to recognize someone's brains.
Is 'genio' always a compliment?
Usually, yes! However, like in English, if someone does something very silly, you might say '¡Qué genio!' sarcastically, though this is less common than in English.
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