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How to Say "ingenious" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “ingenious” is “geniales” — use 'geniales' to describe something that is brilliant, outstanding, or exceptionally clever, often referring to ideas, creations, or even people..

English → Spanish
adjectiveB1general
Use 'geniales' to describe something that is brilliant, outstanding, or exceptionally clever, often referring to ideas, creations, or even people.

Examples

Sus descubrimientos científicos fueron geniales y cambiaron la física.

His scientific discoveries were brilliant and changed physics.

ingenioso

/een-hen-YOH-soh//ĩnxeˈnjoso/

adjectiveB2general
Use 'ingenioso' when referring to a specific solution, invention, or plan that is clever or resourceful in its approach.
A small mouse using a spoon as a lever to lift a heavy lid off a jar of seeds.

Examples

Encontraron una solución ingeniosa para ahorrar agua.

They found an ingenious solution to save water.

Es un sistema ingenioso de poleas.

It is an ingenious system of pulleys.

Placement with Nouns

When you put 'ingenioso' after a noun, it simply describes it. If you put it before (e.g., 'un ingenioso plan'), it adds a bit of poetic emphasis to how clever the plan is.

Choosing between 'genial' and 'ingenioso'

Learners often confuse 'genial' and 'ingenioso'. Remember that 'genial' is a broader term for 'brilliant' or 'great,' while 'ingenioso' is more specific to a clever method or device.

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