Inklingo

How to Say "legendary" in Spanish

English → Spanish

legendario

leh-hen-DAH-ree-ohlexenˈdaɾjo

adjectiveB1general
Use this word for someone or something that is extremely famous and widely celebrated, often to the point of being almost mythical in their renown.
A noble knight standing triumphantly on a high hill, holding a golden sword, with a bright sun behind him.

Examples

Pelé es una leyenda del fútbol, un deportista legendario.

Pelé is a football legend, a legendary athlete.

Messi es un jugador legendario.

Messi is a legendary player.

El unicornio es un animal legendario.

The unicorn is a legendary animal.

Su paciencia con los niños es legendaria.

Her patience with the children is legendary.

Matching the Gender

Remember to change the ending to 'a' (legendaria) if the thing you are describing is feminine, like 'una espada legendaria' (a legendary sword).

Where to put the word

Usually, you place this word after the person or thing you are talking about, like 'un músico legendario'.

Confusing Noun and Adjective

Mistake:Él es una leyenda jugador.

Correction: Él es un jugador legendario. Use 'legendario' to describe the person, and 'leyenda' only if you are calling them 'a legend' directly.

mítico

adjectiveB1general
Use this word when referring to something that exists in myths or legends, or is so famous and classic it's considered legendary.

Examples

El rey Arturo y su mesa redonda son figuras míticas de la historia británica.

King Arthur and his round table are mythical figures of British history.

fabuloso

fah-boo-LOH-sohfa.βuˈlo.so

adjectiveC1general
Choose this word when the 'legendary' aspect specifically relates to being part of a fable, myth, or extraordinary tale, often with a sense of wonder.
A large, magnificent winged dragon perched atop a stylized mountain peak, representing a legendary creature.

Examples

El cuento del tesoro fabuloso perdido en la isla encantada fascina a los niños.

The tale of the fabulous treasure lost on the enchanted island fascinates children.

La historia del dragón fabuloso se ha contado por siglos.

The story of the legendary dragon has been told for centuries.

Los orígenes fabulosos de la ciudad son difíciles de verificar.

The mythical origins of the city are difficult to verify.

Formal Context

In this formal sense, 'fabuloso' often appears before the noun (e.g., 'el fabuloso tesoro') to emphasize its quality as a story, rather than just describing it after the noun.

Legendario vs. Mítico

Learners often confuse 'legendario' and 'mítico'. 'Legendario' is best for people or things that are truly famous and celebrated in real life or recent history. 'Mítico' is closer to 'mythical' and refers more to things from ancient legends, folklore, or things that are iconic and almost unreal.

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