Inklingo

How to Say "exceptional" in Spanish

English → Spanish

especiales

ehs-peh-SYAH-lehsespeˈsjales

adjectiveA1general
Use 'especiales' when referring to something that is better than the average or standard, often implying a specific purpose or need.
A single, large, brightly glowing gold star positioned prominently among several smaller, plain blue stars, symbolizing something unique or exceptional.

Examples

Necesitamos herramientas especiales para ese trabajo.

We need special tools for that job.

Tengo recuerdos especiales de mis vacaciones en Perú.

I have special memories from my vacation in Peru.

Las instrucciones especiales están en la página cinco.

The specific instructions are on page five.

Adjective Agreement

Since 'especiales' ends in '-es', it is the plural form. It must be used with plural nouns, regardless of whether they are masculine (días especiales) or feminine (personas especiales).

Using the Singular Form with Plural Nouns

Mistake: “Los regalos especial.”

Correction: The correct form is 'Los regalos especiales.' Always add the '-es' when describing more than one thing.

excepcional

ex-sep-syo-NALeksepθjoˈnal

adjectiveB1general
Use 'excepcional' for something of outstanding quality or ability, or when something is a rare exception to a rule.
A shiny gold trophy standing on a velvet pedestal, glowing with bright sparkles.

Examples

Ella es una estudiante excepcional y siempre saca buenas notas.

She is an exceptional student and always gets good grades.

El servicio en el hotel fue excepcional.

The service at the hotel was outstanding.

Debido a la tormenta, tomamos la medida excepcional de cerrar la escuela.

Due to the storm, we took the unusual measure of closing the school.

Es un caso excepcional; normalmente no permitimos esto.

It is an exceptional case; normally we don't allow this.

One Form for Everyone

This word doesn't change based on whether you're describing a man or a woman. You can say 'el hombre excepcional' or 'la mujer excepcional' and the ending stays exactly the same.

Plural Form

To make this word plural, add '-es' to the end: 'casos excepcionales'.

Avoid adding an 'a'

Mistake: “una persona excepcionala”

Correction: una persona excepcional. Words ending in 'l' don't need an 'a' to be feminine.

únicos

adjectiveB1general
Use 'únicos' when describing something or someone that stands out distinctly from all others, having no equal.

Examples

Sus talentos son verdaderamente únicos; no hay otros como ellos.

Their talents are truly unique; there are no others like them.

privilegiado

pree-bee-leh-hee-AH-dohpɾiβileˈxjaðo

adjectiveB2general
Use 'privilegiado' when referring to an innate, out-of-the-ordinary talent or ability that someone possesses.
A young child effortlessly playing a grand piano with a look of natural focus and joy.

Examples

Tiene una mente privilegiada para los idiomas.

She has a gifted mind for languages.

El cantante posee una voz privilegiada.

The singer possesses an exceptional voice.

Es un atleta con un físico privilegiado.

He is an athlete with an exceptional physique.

Word Order for Emphasis

Usually, this comes after the noun (una voz privilegiada). Putting it before the noun makes it sound more poetic or dramatic.

Don't confuse with 'talentoso'

Mistake: “Él es muy privilegiado.”

Correction: If you mean he has talent, say 'Tiene un talento privilegiado' or 'Es talentoso'. Calling someone just 'privilegiado' usually refers to their money or social status, not their skills.

Excepcional vs. Especial

Learners often confuse 'excepcional' (outstanding quality or rare instance) with 'especial' (better than average, often for a specific purpose). Remember that 'especial' is more common for everyday needs, while 'excepcional' denotes a higher level of quality or rarity.

Related Translations

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