Inklingo

How to Say "universal" in Spanish

English → Spanish

universal

/oo-nee-behr-SAHL//uniβeɾˈsal/

adjectiveA2general
Use this translation when 'universal' means applicable to everyone or everything, or when referring to something that is widely known or accepted.
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'.

católica

adjectiveA2religious, formal
Use this translation primarily when referring to the Catholic Church, its doctrines, or its historical reach, implying an encompassing or all-embracing nature.

Examples

La iglesia católica es muy antigua.

The Catholic church is very old.

Universal vs. Católica

Learners often confuse 'universal' and 'católica' because both can imply 'encompassing.' However, 'católica' is almost exclusively used for the Catholic Church, while 'universal' has a much broader application to anything that applies everywhere or to everyone.

Related Translations

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