Inklingo

How to Say "marvel" in Spanish

English → Spanish

maravilla

mah-rah-VEE-yahma.ɾaˈβi.ʎa

nounA2general
Use 'maravilla' to describe something that is exceptionally beautiful, impressive, or a great achievement, often in a natural or historical context.
A brightly colored illustration of a small child looking up at a large, glowing, floating star in the night sky, their face expressing deep wonder and astonishment.

Examples

El Alhambra es una maravilla de la arquitectura islámica.

The Alhambra is a marvel of Islamic architecture.

El Gran Cañón es una maravilla natural del mundo.

The Grand Canyon is a natural wonder of the world.

Esta nueva aplicación es una maravilla; me ahorra muchísimo tiempo.

This new app is a marvel; it saves me so much time.

Su capacidad para improvisar en el escenario es una maravilla que pocos pueden igualar.

His ability to improvise on stage is a wonder that few can match.

Gender Alert

Even though 'maravilla' ends in '-a', it is a feminine noun, so you must use 'la' or 'una' before it.

Confusing Noun and Adverb

Mistake: “La comida era maravilla. (Incorrect)”

Correction: La comida era una maravilla. OR La comida estaba de maravilla. (Correct). You need the article 'una' or the phrase 'de' to make it sound natural.

fenómeno

nounC1general
Use 'fenómeno' to describe a person with exceptional talent or ability, or an unusual and remarkable event.

Examples

Esa jugadora de baloncesto es un fenómeno, ¡anota una media de 40 puntos por partido!

That basketball player is a marvel, she averages 40 points per game!

prodigio

pro-DEE-hyohpɾoˈði.xjo

nounB2general
Use 'prodigio' to refer to something extraordinary, especially a remarkable feat of skill, invention, or creation.
A magnificent, glowing waterfall hidden inside a lush, sparkling forest.

Examples

La construcción de este rascacielos fue un prodigio de la ingeniería.

The construction of this skyscraper was a marvel of engineering.

Este nuevo puente es un prodigio de la ingeniería moderna.

This new bridge is a marvel of modern engineering.

La vida es un prodigio de la naturaleza que debemos proteger.

Life is a wonder of nature that we must protect.

Fue un prodigio que nadie resultara herido en la tormenta.

It was a miracle that nobody was hurt in the storm.

Describing Objects

When describing an object as a 'prodigio,' we often use 'de la' or 'del' to explain what category it belongs to (e.g., 'prodigio del diseño').

Prodigio vs. Milagro

Mistake: “Using 'prodigio' for strictly religious miracles.”

Correction: While they are similar, 'milagro' is usually for divine acts, while 'prodigio' is for amazing natural or human achievements.

Distinguishing between Talent and Wonder

Learners often confuse 'fenómeno' and 'prodigio'. Remember that 'fenómeno' is more commonly used for exceptional *people* or unusual occurrences, while 'prodigio' leans towards impressive *achievements* or creations.

Related Translations

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