Inklingo

How to Say "extraordinary" in Spanish

English → Spanish

especiales

ehs-peh-SYAH-lehs/espeˈsjales/

AdjectiveA1General
Use 'especiales' when referring to something that is beyond the usual or requires specific conditions or purpose, often implying rarity or necessity.
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.

extraordinario

/eks-trah-or-dih-NAH-ree-oh//ekstɾaoɾðiˈnaɾjo/

AdjectiveA2General
Choose 'extraordinario' to describe something of amazing quality, skill, or ability that stands out significantly from the norm.
A small, brightly colored bird standing on a wooden easel, holding a tiny paintbrush in its beak, carefully adding a final touch to a miniature, detailed landscape painting.

Examples

La cocinera preparó un postre extraordinario para la cena.

The cook prepared an extraordinary dessert for dinner.

Tienes una habilidad extraordinaria para resolver problemas difíciles.

You have an amazing ability to solve difficult problems.

Fue un concierto extraordinario; aplaudimos durante diez minutos.

It was a wonderful concert; we applauded for ten minutes.

Adjective Agreement

Like most Spanish adjectives, 'extraordinario' must change its ending to match the noun it describes: 'extraordinario' (m. sing.), 'extraordinaria' (f. sing.), 'extraordinarios' (m. plural), and 'extraordinarias' (f. plural).

sensacional

/sen-sah-syoh-NAHL//sensasjoˈnal/

adjectiveA2General
Employ 'sensacional' to express that something is out of the ordinary in a very positive and exciting way, often related to experiences or things that impress greatly.
A bright gold trophy sitting on a pedestal surrounded by colorful confetti.

Examples

¡La comida en este restaurante es sensacional!

The food at this restaurant is sensational!

Tengo una noticia sensacional que contarte.

I have some fantastic news to tell you.

Fue un concierto sensacional; todos bailamos mucho.

It was a sensational concert; we all danced a lot.

One Form for All

This word doesn't change for gender. Use 'sensacional' for both masculine and feminine things (e.g., 'un libro sensacional' and 'una película sensacional').

Plural Form

To make it plural, just add '-es' to the end: 'sensacionales'.

Gender confusion

Mistake: “una fiesta sensacionala”

Correction: una fiesta sensacional

Extraordinario vs. Especial

Learners often confuse 'extraordinario' and 'especial'. Remember that 'extraordinario' emphasizes exceptional quality or impressiveness, while 'especial' focuses on being beyond the usual or specifically needed for a purpose.

Related Translations

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