Inklingo

How to Say "higher" in Spanish

English → Spanish

superior

soo-peh-ree-OR/su.peˈɾjoɾ/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'superior' when referring to something that is of a greater level, degree, or quality than something else.
A shiny, large gold trophy standing next to a smaller, dull bronze trophy, illustrating superior quality or rank.

Examples

Este modelo tiene una tecnología superior a los demás.

This model has superior technology compared to the others.

Vivimos en la planta superior del edificio.

We live on the upper floor of the building.

Ella demostró una habilidad superior en el examen.

She demonstrated a superior ability on the exam.

Gender Agreement

Unlike many Spanish adjectives, 'superior' has the same form whether you are describing a masculine or a feminine thing (e.g., 'el nivel superior' and 'la planta superior').

Making it Plural

To describe more than one thing, you add '-es' to make it 'superiores' (e.g., 'los resultados superiores').

superiores

soo-peh-ree-OH-rehs/supeˈɾjoɾes/

adjectiveB1academic
Use 'superiores' specifically when talking about higher education, such as university or college studies.
A large red block sitting on the highest step of a simple three-step platform, visually representing a higher level or rank compared to a smaller blue block resting on the bottom step.

Examples

Necesitas completar los estudios superiores para conseguir ese trabajo.

You need to complete the higher studies (university/college) to get that job.

Las fuerzas superiores dominaron la batalla.

The superior forces dominated the battle.

Los pisos superiores de este edificio son muy caros.

The upper floors of this building are very expensive.

Adjective Agreement (Plural)

Since 'superiores' ends in -es, it is used to describe multiple masculine or feminine things (e.g., 'niveles superiores' or 'fuerzas superiores').

Confusing Singular/Plural

Mistake: “Using 'superior' when describing multiple items (e.g., 'Estudios superior').”

Correction: Always check the noun: 'Estudios superiores' (plural noun requires plural adjective).

Confusing General Level with Higher Education

Learners often mistakenly use 'superior' when they mean 'higher education' (studies). Remember that 'superiores' is the specific term for university-level or advanced academic pursuits.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.