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How to Say "worldwide" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “worldwide” is “mundial” — use 'mundial' when referring to something that has an impact or scope affecting the entire globe, often in a broad or general sense..

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mundial

moon-dee-AHL/munˈdjal/

adjectiveA2General
Use 'mundial' when referring to something that has an impact or scope affecting the entire globe, often in a broad or general sense.
A brightly colored, simple illustration of the planet Earth, emphasizing its global scope.

Examples

La pandemia tuvo un impacto mundial en la economía.

The pandemic had a worldwide impact on the economy.

El calentamiento es un problema mundial que debemos enfrentar.

Warming is a global problem that we must face.

Esa empresa tiene presencia mundial.

That company has a global presence.

Adjective Agreement

Since 'mundial' ends in -l, it is one of those helpful adjectives that stays the same whether the noun is masculine or feminine (e.g., 'el problema mundial' and 'la crisis mundial').

Making it Plural

To make it plural, simply add -es: 'mundiales' (e.g., 'eventos mundiales').

Using the wrong ending

Mistake: “La crisis mundiala.”

Correction: La crisis mundial. Since 'mundial' already ends in -l, you do not need to add an extra -a for feminine nouns.

internacional

/in-ter-nah-syo-NAL//inteɾnaθjoˈnal/

adjectiveA1General
Choose 'internacional' when referring to activities, connections, or entities that involve multiple countries, emphasizing cross-border interactions.
A simplified blue and green globe is shown, with four distinct, different colored hands (representing different nations) clasped together above it, symbolizing cooperation between multiple countries.

Examples

El aeropuerto tiene vuelos internacionales a muchos países.

The airport has international flights to many countries.

Ellos firmaron un acuerdo internacional para proteger el medio ambiente.

They signed an international agreement to protect the environment.

La crisis económica tiene repercusiones internacionales.

The economic crisis has international repercussions.

Adjective Agreement (Invariable)

This adjective is 'invariable' for gender. It always ends in '-al,' whether you are describing a masculine noun (el acuerdo internacional) or a feminine noun (la política internacional).

Don't change the ending for feminine nouns

Mistake: “La policía internacionale.”

Correction: La policía internacional. The '-al' ending stays the same, unlike many other Spanish adjectives.

global

glo-BAL/ɡloˈβal/

adjectiveB1General
Use 'global' when the focus is on the entirety of the planet as a single entity, often in contexts like economics, environment, or large-scale systems.
A cheerful and simple illustration of the planet Earth, showing continents in green and oceans in blue, suggesting a worldwide scope.

Examples

La crisis económica global afectó a muchos países.

The global economic crisis affected many countries.

El calentamiento global es una preocupación urgente.

Global warming is an urgent concern.

Las empresas globales tienen oficinas en todo el mundo.

Global companies have offices all over the world.

Adjective Agreement (Number)

Since 'global' ends in 'l', you add '-es' to make it plural: 'problema global' (singular) becomes 'problemas globales' (plural).

Gender Confusion

Mistake: “La problema global.”

Correction: El problema global. The word 'global' itself doesn't change for masculine/feminine, but the noun it describes dictates the article ('el' or 'la').

universal

/oo-nee-behr-SAHL//uniβeɾˈsal/

adjectiveA2General
Opt for 'universal' when something applies to or is understood by everyone in the world, regardless of nationality or culture, highlighting broad applicability.
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'.

Mundial vs. Internacional

Learners often confuse 'mundial' and 'internacional'. 'Internacional' specifically implies interaction between nations, like international trade or flights. 'Mundial' is broader, referring to something affecting the entire world, like a worldwide event or impact.

Related Translations

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