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How to Say "global" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word forglobalis mundialuse 'mundial' when referring to something that has a worldwide scope or impact, especially concerning large-scale events or influence.

English → Spanish

mundial

moon-dee-AHLmunˈdjal

adjectiveA2general
Use 'mundial' when referring to something that has a worldwide scope or impact, especially concerning large-scale events or influence.
A brightly colored, simple illustration of the planet Earth, emphasizing its global scope.

Examples

La fama de ese artista es mundial.

That artist's fame is worldwide.

La pandemia tuvo un impacto mundial en la economía.

The pandemic had a worldwide impact on the economy.

El calentamiento es un problema mundial que debemos enfrentar.

Warming is a global problem that we must face.

Esa empresa tiene presencia mundial.

That company has a global presence.

Adjective Agreement

Since 'mundial' ends in -l, it is one of those helpful adjectives that stays the same whether the noun is masculine or feminine (e.g., 'el problema mundial' and 'la crisis mundial').

Making it Plural

To make it plural, simply add -es: 'mundiales' (e.g., 'eventos mundiales').

Using the wrong ending

Mistake:La crisis mundiala.

Correction: La crisis mundial. Since 'mundial' already ends in -l, you do not need to add an extra -a for feminine nouns.

internacional

in-ter-nah-syo-NALinteɾnaθjoˈnal

adjectiveA1general
Choose 'internacional' when the focus is on connections, activities, or scope that extends beyond a single country, often involving multiple nations.
A simplified blue and green globe is shown, with four distinct, different colored hands (representing different nations) clasped together above it, symbolizing cooperation between multiple countries.

Examples

Las relaciones internacionales son complejas.

International relations are complex.

El aeropuerto tiene vuelos internacionales a muchos países.

The airport has international flights to many countries.

Ellos firmaron un acuerdo internacional para proteger el medio ambiente.

They signed an international agreement to protect the environment.

La crisis económica tiene repercusiones internacionales.

The economic crisis has international repercussions.

Adjective Agreement (Invariable)

This adjective is 'invariable' for gender. It always ends in '-al,' whether you are describing a masculine noun (el acuerdo internacional) or a feminine noun (la política internacional).

Don't change the ending for feminine nouns

Mistake:La policía internacionale.

Correction: La policía internacional. The '-al' ending stays the same, unlike many other Spanish adjectives.

global

glo-BALɡloˈβal

adjectiveB1general
Use 'global' when referring to the entirety of something, often in a more abstract or comprehensive sense, like a global strategy or a global crisis.
A cheerful and simple illustration of the planet Earth, showing continents in green and oceans in blue, suggesting a worldwide scope.

Examples

Necesitamos una solución global al problema del cambio climático.

We need a global solution to the problem of climate change.

La crisis económica global afectó a muchos países.

The global economic crisis affected many countries.

El calentamiento global es una preocupación urgente.

Global warming is an urgent concern.

Las empresas globales tienen oficinas en todo el mundo.

Global companies have offices all over the world.

Adjective Agreement (Number)

Since 'global' ends in 'l', you add '-es' to make it plural: 'problema global' (singular) becomes 'problemas globales' (plural).

Gender Confusion

Mistake:La problema global.

Correction: El problema global. The word 'global' itself doesn't change for masculine/feminine, but the noun it describes dictates the article ('el' or 'la').

planetario

plah-neh-tah-ryohplaneˈtaɾjo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'planetario' specifically when referring to matters concerning the entire planet Earth, often in a scientific or astronomical context.
A colorful planet with a ring around it floating in space.

Examples

La órbita de la Tierra es parte del sistema planetario.

The Earth's orbit is part of the planetary system.

El sistema planetario tiene ocho planetas principales.

The planetary system has eight main planets.

Estamos viviendo una crisis planetaria sin precedentes.

We are living through an unprecedented planetary crisis.

La alineación planetaria será visible esta noche.

The planetary alignment will be visible tonight.

Gender Matching

As an adjective, this word must match the noun it describes. Use 'planetario' for masculine nouns and 'planetaria' for feminine nouns.

The 'Sistema' Trap

Mistake:sistema planetaria

Correction: sistema planetario

Mundial vs. Internacional

Learners often confuse 'mundial' and 'internacional'. While both relate to a scope beyond one country, 'internacional' specifically implies interaction or connection between nations, whereas 'mundial' refers to a scope affecting the entire world.

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