Inklingo

How to Say "original" in Spanish

English → Spanish

original

oh-ree-hee-NAL/oɾixiˈnal/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'original' when referring to the very first, authentic, or uncopied item, like a document or a piece of art.
A solitary, perfectly formed blue star drawn on a clean white surface, symbolizing the first or earliest form.

Examples

Necesitas presentar tu pasaporte original para el trámite.

You need to present your original passport for the process.

La versión original de esta canción es la mejor.

The original version of this song is the best.

El plan original era ir a la playa, pero llovió.

The initial plan was to go to the beach, but it rained.

Adjective Agreement

Since 'original' ends in -l, it stays the same whether the noun is masculine (el documento original) or feminine (la versión original).

inicial

ee-nee-SYAL/i.niˈsjal/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'inicial' to describe the first stage, step, or phase of a process or plan.
A colorful storybook illustration showing the beginning of a dirt path marked by a simple starting line and two small flags.

Examples

La fase inicial del proyecto es la más importante.

The initial phase of the project is the most important.

Tuvimos un costo inicial de 50 euros para empezar el curso.

We had a starting cost of 50 euros to begin the course.

Su reacción inicial fue de sorpresa, pero luego se calmó.

His initial reaction was surprise, but then he calmed down.

Adjective Placement

Like many Spanish adjectives, 'inicial' usually goes after the noun it describes: 'la fase inicial', not 'la inicial fase'.

Gender Agreement

Mistake: “El problema iniciala.”

Correction: El problema inicial. Since 'inicial' ends in -al, it stays the same whether the noun is masculine (el problema) or feminine (la fase).

auténtica

adjectiveA2general
Choose 'auténtica' when you want to emphasize that something is genuine and not a copy or fake.

Examples

Esta joya es auténtica, no es una imitación.

This jewel is genuine, it's not an imitation.

originales

/oh-ree-hee-nah-lehs//oɾixiˈnales/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'originales' (plural) when describing ideas, creations, or things that are unique, novel, and not conventional.
A single bright blue flower standing out in a field of yellow flowers.

Examples

Sus ideas para el proyecto son muy originales.

Her ideas for the project are very original.

Todavía conservo los dibujos originales de mi infancia.

I still keep the original drawings from my childhood.

Making things plural

Since this word ends in a consonant (l), we add '-es' to make it plural when talking about more than one thing.

Works for both genders

This word stays the same whether you're describing masculine things (los libros) or feminine things (las ideas).

Don't forget the 'e'

Mistake: “los planes originals”

Correction: los planes originales

Original vs. Auténtica

Learners often confuse 'original' and 'auténtica'. Remember that 'original' refers to the first version or item itself, while 'auténtica' focuses on its genuineness and lack of being a replica. Something can be original but not authentic (e.g., a fake copy of an original painting), or authentic but not original (e.g., a historically accurate replica).

Related Translations

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