Spanish is spoken across a wide range of places, and each area has its own cool way of saying things like ‘cool.’ Words like ‘chévere,’ ‘guay,’ and ‘copado’ are not just ways to speak; they show who we are and where we’re from. When we look at the 21 different ways to say ‘cool’ in Spanish, we’re not just learning new words. We’re also getting a peek into how language changes with culture. These words can tell us a lot about the people and places they come from. What do all these different words say about the communities that use them?
21 Popular Terms for “Cool” Across Spanish-Speaking Countries
In Spanish-speaking countries, people have many ways to say ‘cool’, each reflecting their own culture. In Mexico, they often say ‘padre’ or ‘chido’. Over in Chile and Colombia, ‘bacán’ is the go-to word. Argentina uses ‘copado’, and in Spain, they prefer ‘guay’. Each word shows how diverse and rich the Spanish language is.
Chévere – (Latin America) /ˈtʃe.βe.ɾe/ – Cool, awesome
- Common across Latin America, “chévere” means something or someone is great, enjoyable, or impressive.
Guay – (Spain) /ɡwai/ – Cool, great
- A widely used term in Spain for anything that’s cool or impressive. It’s casual and friendly.
Bacán – (Chile, Peru, Ecuador) /baˈkan/ – Cool, awesome
- Used in the Andes and parts of South America, “bacán” describes something really fun, great, or admirable.
Chido – (Mexico) /ˈtʃi.ðo/ – Cool, neat
- Mexican slang for something cool, popular, or neat, often used to describe things and experiences.
Chingón – (Mexico) /tʃinˈɡon/ – Very cool, badass
- A strong Mexican term for something incredibly cool or impressive, especially if it’s bold or daring.
Genial – (All Spanish-speaking) /xeˈnjal/ – Great, cool
- Universal Spanish for “cool” or “great.” Works across all regions and age groups.
Copado – (Argentina) /koˈpa.ðo/ – Cool, awesome
- An Argentine word meaning cool or fun, often used to describe people, events, and experiences.
Mola – (Spain) /ˈmo.la/ – It’s cool, it’s awesome
- Informal and popular in Spain, “mola” is often used to say that something or someone is cool or enjoyable. .
Padre – (Mexico) /ˈpa.ðɾe/ – Cool, neat
- Mexican slang, “padre” means cool or nice. It’s used casually and frequently among younger crowds.
Tuanis – (Costa Rica, Nicaragua) /ˈtwa.nis/ – Cool, chill
- A Costa Rican and Nicaraguan word for something that’s cool, laid-back, or nice. It conveys a relaxed vibe.
Pulento – (Chile) /puˈlen.to/ – Cool, awesome
- In Chile, “pulento” describes something excellent or really cool, often referring to music, places, or people.
Al Pelo – (Peru) /al ˈpe.lo/ – Very cool, right on
- Peruvian slang that expresses something being on point or just right; used when things go smoothly.
Aperrado – (Chile) /a.peˈra.ðo/ – Cool, courageous
- Chilean term for someone who is cool because they are brave or determined; often for people or courageous acts.
Cañón – (Spain) /kaˈɲon/ – Awesome, amazing
- In Spain, “cañón” can mean very cool or impressive, especially in reference to skills or personality.
Buenazo – (Peru) /bweˈna.so/ – Cool, nice
- Peruvian term meaning really nice or enjoyable, often describing a fun experience or a pleasant person. .
Cacho – (Bolivia) /ˈka.tʃo/ – Cool, neat
- Bolivian slang for something that’s neat, interesting, or cool; often used for gadgets or outfits.
Que Nota – (Venezuela) /ke ˈno.ta/ – Cool, awesome
- In Venezuela, this phrase expresses enthusiasm, as in “That’s so cool!” It’s used in response to good news or fun.
Perrón – (Mexico) /peˈron/ – Very cool, badass
- Mexican slang that means something (or someone) is not just cool but stands out as edgy or impressive.
Macanudo – (Argentina, Uruguay) /ma.kaˈnu.ðo/ – Cool, awesome
- Used in Argentina and Uruguay, “macanudo” describes something that’s cool, friendly, or impressive.
Calidá – (Guatemala) /ka.liˈda/ – Cool, awesome
- A Guatemalan term for something really cool, enjoyable, or high-quality, often said about events and items.
Brutal – (Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Spain) /bɾuˈtal/ – Really cool, awesome
- Used in Spain, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico, “brutal” implies something is intensely cool, thrilling, or powerful.
Also Read: 111+ Popular Spanish Quotes And Sayings [with English Translations]
Conclusion
Exploring different ways to say ‘cool’ in Spanish shows us how rich and varied the language is. Each word not only ties back to a specific place and its culture but also makes talking to each other more colorful. When we use these words, we get better at Spanish and learn more about the cultures that speak it. This makes learning Spanish more exciting and connects us more with its many speakers and their traditions. Plus, it helps create a welcoming and lively atmosphere for everyone learning the language. Keep visiting the Translation Blog to master any language easily.
