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How to Say "miracle" in Spanish

English → Spanish

milagro

mee-LAH-grohmiˈlaɣɾo

nounA2
Use 'milagro' when referring to a supernatural event, often in a religious or deeply unexpected positive outcome context.
A small, dry, barren tree instantly bursting into vibrant, colorful bloom as a brilliant, ethereal light ray shines down upon it from the sky.

Examples

La curación del niño fue un verdadero milagro.

The child's recovery was a true miracle.

Dicen que el médico hizo un milagro con la operación.

They say the doctor performed a miracle with the surgery.

La aparición de agua en el desierto fue un milagro para los viajeros.

The appearance of water in the desert was a miracle for the travelers.

Gender Check

Even though 'milagro' ends in 'o', remember it is always masculine, so use 'el milagro' or 'un milagro'.

maravilla

mah-rah-VEE-yahma.ɾaˈβi.ʎa

nounA2
Use 'maravilla' to describe something astonishingly beautiful or impressive, like a natural wonder or an amazing achievement, rather than a supernatural event.
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

La Sagrada Familia es una maravilla arquitectónica.

The Sagrada Familia is an architectural marvel.

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.

milagroso

mee-lah-groh-sohmilaˈɣɾoso

adjectiveB1
Use the adjective 'milagroso' to describe something that has an incredibly positive and effective result, often implying it worked 'like a miracle'.
A vibrant green sprout with a single glowing flower blooming out of a dry, cracked desert floor under a soft beam of light.

Examples

Esta crema tiene un efecto milagroso sobre las arrugas.

This cream has a miraculous effect on wrinkles.

Fue una recuperación milagrosa después del accidente.

It was a miraculous recovery after the accident.

Esta crema milagrosa quitó todo el dolor.

This miracle cream took away all the pain.

Muchos peregrinos visitan el lugar por sus aguas milagrosas.

Many pilgrims visit the place for its miraculous waters.

Matching the Noun

This word changes its ending depending on what you are describing. Use 'milagroso' for masculine things (un remedio) and 'milagrosa' for feminine things (una cura).

Where to put it

In Spanish, this describing word almost always comes after the thing it describes. For example, say 'el agua milagrosa' instead of 'la milagrosa agua'.

Using the wrong word

Mistake: “Esa medicina es un milagroso.”

Correction: Esa medicina es milagrosa (adjective) or Es un milagro (noun). Use 'milagroso' to describe something, and 'milagro' to name the event itself.

Milagro vs. Maravilla

Learners often confuse 'milagro' and 'maravilla'. Remember that 'milagro' is for supernatural or divine intervention, while 'maravilla' describes something amazing or wonderful, like a spectacle or achievement.

Related Translations

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