How to Say "extraordinary" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “extraordinary” is “especiales” — use 'especiales' when referring to something beyond the usual, often implying a specific purpose or requirement.
especiales
ehs-peh-SYAH-lehsespeˈsjales
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-ohekstɾaoɾðiˈnaɾjo
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-NAHLsensasjoˈnal
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
singular
seen-goo-LARsiŋɡuˈlaɾ
Examples
Ella tiene un talento singular para la pintura.
She has a unique talent for painting.
Fue un suceso singular que nadie pudo explicar.
It was an extraordinary event that no one could explain.
Es una persona de una belleza singular.
She is a person of remarkable beauty.
One word for both genders
This word stays the same whether you are describing a masculine or feminine thing. You say 'un niño singular' and 'una niña singular'.
Placement for emphasis
When you put 'singular' after a noun, it usually means 'unique' or 'special.' If you were to put it before (less common), it sounds very poetic.
Don't add an 'a' for feminine
Mistake: “una idea singulara”
Correction: una idea singular. Words ending in -ar don't change to -a for feminine things.
insólito
Examples
Es un clima insólito para esta época del año.
It's unusual weather for this time of year.
sublime
soo-BLEE-mehsuˈβlime
Examples
La cena de anoche fue simplemente sublime.
Last night's dinner was simply sublime.
El poeta utiliza un lenguaje sublime para describir el amor.
The poet uses lofty language to describe love.
Contemplar el amanecer desde la cima de la montaña es una experiencia sublime.
Watching the sunrise from the mountain peak is a sublime experience.
One Form for All
This word doesn't change based on gender. You use 'sublime' for both masculine and feminine things (un cuadro sublime, una voz sublime).
Plural Rule
Since the word ends in a vowel, you just add an 's' to make it plural: 'los paisajes sublimes'.
Avoid 'Sublima'
Mistake: “La música es sublima.”
Correction: La música es sublime. (Even though music is feminine, this adjective never ends in 'a').
Choosing Between 'Extraordinario' and 'Especial'
Related Translations
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