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How to Say "marvelous" in Spanish

English → Spanish

maravilloso

/mah-rah-bee-YO-so//maɾaβiˈʎoso/

AdjectiveA2General
Use this general term for 'marvelous' when describing something that is wonderful, amazing, or extraordinary in a broad sense, like a beautiful landscape or a great experience.
A small child stands on a green hill and looks up in amazement at a huge, perfectly formed, colorful rainbow filling the sky. The scene evokes a sense of wonder.

Examples

El paisaje desde la cima de la montaña era maravilloso.

The landscape from the mountaintop was marvelous.

El viaje a la costa fue maravilloso.

The trip to the coast was wonderful.

Tienes un talento maravilloso para la música.

You have a marvelous talent for music.

La vista desde la montaña es maravillosa.

The view from the mountain is gorgeous.

Making it Match: Gender and Number

This word changes its ending to match the person or thing it's describing. Think of it like a chameleon! Use 'maravilloso' for masculine things and 'maravillosa' for feminine things. If you're talking about more than one, add an 's': 'maravillosos' or 'maravillosas'.

Using 'Ser' vs. 'Estar'

Use 'ser maravilloso' for something that is always wonderful (its basic quality). For example, 'El arte es maravilloso' (Art is wonderful). Use 'estar maravilloso' for something that is wonderful right now (its current condition). For example, 'La cena está maravillosa' (The dinner is wonderful).

Forgetting to Change the Ending

Mistake: “La película es maravilloso.”

Correction: La película es maravillosa. Because 'película' (movie) is a feminine word, the ending of 'maravilloso' needs to change to '-a' to match it.

estupendo

ess-too-PEN-doh/es.tuˈpen.do/

AdjectiveB1General
Choose this word for 'marvelous' when you want to express strong approval or delight about something, often implying it's excellent, fantastic, or superb, such as a great idea or a successful plan.
A simple, cheerful cartoon figure jumping excitedly high into the air with arms outstretched, surrounded by sparkling golden stars, illustrating overwhelming praise and joy.

Examples

¡Qué noticia tan estupenda has recibido!

What fantastic news you've received!

¡Tu idea es estupenda! Deberíamos implementarla de inmediato.

Your idea is wonderful! We should implement it immediately.

La comida estaba estupenda, especialmente el postre.

The food was superb, especially the dessert.

Tuvimos unos días estupendos en la costa, con mucho sol.

We had some excellent days on the coast, with lots of sun.

Adjective Agreement

Since 'estupendo' is an adjective, it must match the thing it describes. If the noun is feminine (la casa), use 'estupenda'. If it is plural (los libros), use 'estupendos'.

Forgetting Gender Change

Mistake: “La película fue estupendo.”

Correction: La película fue estupenda. (Since 'película' is feminine, the adjective must end in '-a').

Choosing Between 'Maravilloso' and 'Estupendo'

Learners often overuse 'maravilloso' for everything. While 'maravilloso' is a very common and versatile translation for 'marvelous', 'estupendo' is better when you want to convey a sense of enthusiastic approval or when something is particularly excellent or fantastic.

Related Translations

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