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How to Say "universal" in Spanish

English → Spanish

universal

oo-nee-behr-SAHLuniβeɾˈsal

adjectiveA2general
Use this word when 'universal' means applicable to all people or things, like a common concept or phenomenon.
A group of diverse people from all around the world standing together in a circle holding hands around a large globe.

Examples

La música es un lenguaje universal.

Music is a universal language.

El sufragio universal es un derecho básico.

Universal suffrage is a basic right.

Esa marca tiene un atractivo universal.

That brand has a universal appeal.

One form for everyone

Unlike many Spanish words, 'universal' does not change to an 'a' at the end for feminine things. It is the same for both masculine and feminine nouns.

Don't add an 'o' or 'a'

Mistake: “El problema universalo / La idea universala.”

Correction: El problema universal / La idea universal. The word always ends in 'l'.

católico

adjectiveA1religious, formal
Use this word only when referring to the original Greek meaning of 'universal' as 'whole' or 'comprehensive', most commonly in religious contexts, though it's rare in everyday speech.

Examples

Mi abuelo es un hombre muy católico.

My grandfather is a very Catholic man.

Confusing 'universal' and 'católico'

The most common mistake is using 'católico' when you simply mean 'universal' in the sense of 'applying to everyone'. Remember, 'católico' has a specific, often religious, connotation and is not the general term for 'universal'.

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