How to Say 'Cool' in Spanish: 14 Easy-to-Use Expressions

As a native Spanish speaker, I've learned that the word "cool" can be translated in so many different ways depending on where you are. In fact, each Spanish-speaking country has its own set of expressions to show excitement or approval—and trust me, knowing these can make your conversations way more versatile!

In this article, I'm going to share 14 of the most common (and some not-so-common) ways to say cool in Spanish. You'll learn how to use them like a local, whether you're traveling, chatting with friends, or just want to sound more natural in Spanish. Let's get started!

Why "Cool" Sounds Different In Every Spanish-Speaking Country

Saying cool in Spanish is not as simple as using just one word across the board. Different Spanish-speaking countries have their own ways of expressing approval or excitement, so what sounds "cool" in one place might not be used the same way elsewhere.

For example, in Mexico, people might say "chido" when something is awesome, while in Spain, "guay" is the go-to term. In Argentina, you'll probably hear "copado" used to describe something that's great. Even though they all mean something similar to "cool," the word you choose depends on where you're speaking and who you're talking to.

So, if you're planning a trip or chatting with a friend from a different country, it's always good to learn the local lingo. Not only does it help you sound more natural, but it also shows you're paying attention to their culture!

14 Ways To Say Cool In Spanish

If you're learning Spanish and want to sound more natural in casual conversations, it's essential to know how to express excitement or approval. One of the most common ways to do this is by saying "cool," — but did you know there are several ways to say it in Spanish? Here are 14 ways to say "cool" in Spanish that will help you sound like a native speaker!

1. Chido

"Chido" is a popular word used in Mexico and some parts of Central America to express that something is cool, awesome, or great. It’s very casual and friendly, making it perfect for informal conversations.

Example:
"¡Esa película estuvo bien chida!"
Translation: "That movie was really cool!""

2. Guay

In Spain, "guay" is a super common expression used to say something is cool, awesome, or great. It’s very casual and typically used by young people, although anyone can use it. You’ll hear it a lot when talking about things that are trendy, fun, or just generally enjoyable. It’s one of those words that adds a lot of positive energy to conversations.

Example:
"¡Este lugar está guay!"
Translation: "This place is cool!"

3. Bacán

"Bacán" is widely used in several South American countries, including Chile and Peru. It’s used to describe something or someone that’s awesome, fantastic, or really impressive. Depending on where you are, "bacán" can feel like a relaxed yet enthusiastic way to show approval.

Example:
"¡La fiesta estuvo bacán!"
Translation: "The party was awesome!"

4. Chévere

"Chévere" is a popular expression in many Caribbean and Latin American countries, like Venezuela, Cuba, and Colombia. It’s a very friendly and relaxed way to say something is cool or great.

Example:
"Todo estuvo chévere en la reunión."
Translation: "Everything was cool at the meeting."

5. Padre

In Mexico, "padre" is a very positive expression, often used when talking about something that brings a lot of joy or excitement. It’s also a term that describes something or someone that is impressive or admirable.

Example:
"¡Tu coche está bien padre!"
Translation: "Your car is so cool!"

6. Copado

In Argentina, "copado" is a common way to say something is cool or awesome. It’s a very laid-back, friendly expression, especially used by younger people.

Example:
"¡Este barrio está copado!"
Translation: "This neighborhood is so cool!"

7. Mola

"Mola" is mostly used in Spain to express that something is cool or nice. It’s a word you’ll hear a lot in casual conversations, especially when someone is talking about something they really like or find interesting.

Example:
"¡Tu camiseta mola un montón!"
Translation: "Your T-shirt is so cool!"

8. Chido/Chida

In Mexican Spanish, there’s a small twist when it comes to gender. "Chido" is typically used for men, while "chida" is the feminine version. The meaning is the same: both words express excitement, approval, or admiration for something that’s considered cool or awesome. You’ll hear "chida" when talking about something awesome that’s associated with a woman or a feminine object.

Example (Chido):
"El concierto estuvo chido."
Translation: "The concert was cool."

Example (Chida):
"Tu amiga es bien chida."
Translation: "Your friend is really cool."

9. Padrísimo

"Padrísimo" is like the upgraded version of "padre" in Mexican Spanish. If something is "padrísimo," it’s not just cool—it’s fantastic or out-of-this-world awesome. You’ll use this word when you really want to show how much you liked something or how impressed you were.

Example :
"¡La boda estuvo padrísima!"
Translation: "The wedding was amazing!"

10. Cool

You might be surprised to learn that in many Spanish-speaking countries, the English word "cool" is commonly used, especially among younger generations. In fact, many people just throw the word into their conversations, especially in urban areas or among teens and young adults. It has the same meaning as in English and blends seamlessly with other words in Spanish.

Example:
"¡Qué cool está tu teléfono!"
Translation: "Your phone is so cool!"

11. Genial

"Genial" is a versatile word used in Spanish-speaking countries to describe something as great, fantastic, or brilliant. It’s not as casual as "cool," but it’s still a very positive expression.

Example:
"¡La noticia fue genial!"
Translation: "The news was awesome!"

12. De lujo

"De lujo" literally means "of luxury," but in casual speech, it’s used to describe something that’s really top-notch or fantastic. If something is "de lujo," it’s more than just cool—it’s classy, stylish, or of very high quality.

Example:
"El restaurante es de lujo."
Translation: "The restaurant is amazing."

13. La Leche

In Spain, the phrase "la leche" is often used casually to describe something fantastic, impressive, or just plain awesome.

Example:
"¡Ese concierto estuvo de la leche!"
Translation: "That concert was amazing!"

14. Bestial

In some Latin American countries, "bestial" is used to express that something is incredibly cool or impressive. It’s a bit stronger than just saying something is "cool," and it conveys a sense of awe or excitement.

Example:
"¡Esa película fue bestial!"
Translation: "That movie was awesome!"

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Want to Hear "Cool" Like a Native Speaker?

Okay, so now you've got a handle on some of the most common ways to say "cool" in Spanish. But language isn't just about words in a textbook—it's about how people actually use those words in everyday life.

And what better way to immerse yourself in the real-world use of Spanish slang than by diving into the vibrant world of Spanish-language TV shows and movies?

Think about it: when you watch a show or film, you're actually getting a front-row seat to:

• Context in action: You see how "cool" is used in different situations—to describe a person, a thing, an experience, or even an idea.
• Regional variations: You'll quickly discover that the Spanish spoken in Spain is different from the Spanish spoken in Mexico, Argentina, or Colombia. Each region has its own unique slang and expressions, including its own way of saying "cool." You might hear "guay" in Spain, "chido" in Mexico, or "chévere" in parts of Latin America.
• Natural pronunciation and intonation: You'll hear how native speakers pronounce these words, with all the nuances of rhythm, stress, and intonation. This is crucial for understanding and being understood.
• Cultural insights: You'll gain a deeper understanding of the cultures where these languages are spoken, which can enrich your language learning experience.

Where to Start Your Spanish-Language Binge-Watching

Here are a few popular and critically acclaimed options to get you started:

• Money Heist (La Casa de Papel): This thrilling Spanish heist series is a global phenomenon.
• Elite: This Spanish teen drama is full of intrigue, romance, and plenty of modern slang.
• Narcos: While primarily focused on the Colombian drug trade, this series offers a glimpse into Colombian Spanish and slang.
• Roma: This Oscar-winning Mexican film is a beautiful and poignant story with authentic Mexican dialogue.

While you can find some of these titles on various streaming services, for a truly immersive and effective language-learning experience, consider platforms like Lingopie.

Lingopie offers a curated selection of movies and TV series in various languages, including Spanish, specifically designed for language learners. It features interactive tools like dual subtitles, clickable words for instant translations, and flashcards to help you retain new vocabulary. This makes it an ideal tool for picking up on natural expressions of "cool" and other slang in context.

Learn Spanish Expressions With Lingopie

To sum up, we've explored 14 different ways to say "cool" in Spanish, depending on the Spanish-speaking country you're visiting. Each expression brings its own cultural flavor and energy, helping make your Spanish sound more authentic and natural in everyday conversations.

If you're ready to deepen your Spanish skills, why not check out Lingopie? It's a great way to learn Spanish through real TV shows, movies, and interactive content, making the process both fun and effective.

Start using Lingopie today and improve your Spanish with real-world content!

Frequently Asked Questions

We've covered a lot of ways to say "cool" in Spanish, so here are some of the most common questions people ask.

1. What is the most common way to say "cool" in Spanish?

The most common and generally understood way to say "cool" in Spanish is genial. It's a safe bet in most Spanish-speaking regions. Guay is also very common in Spain.

2. Are there different ways to say "cool" in different Spanish-speaking countries?

Yes, absolutely! Just like in English, where we have words like "cool," "awesome," "rad," and "groovy," Spanish has regional variations. For example:

• Mexico: Chido, padre
• Argentina: Copado, buena onda
• Spain: Guay, chulo
• Colombia: Chévere, bacano

It's always a good idea to be aware of these regional differences.

3. How do I know which word to use for "cool"?

The best way to learn which word to use is through context and exposure. Listening to native speakers, watching Spanish-language TV shows and movies (like those on Lingopie), and interacting with Spanish speakers will help you understand the nuances of each word. Genial is usually a safe choice if you're unsure.

4. Is "frío" the same as "cool" in Spanish?

While frío means "cold," it's generally not used to mean "cool" in the slang sense. You might use it to describe the temperature, but not to describe something as awesome or impressive. For example, "Hace frío" means "It's cold," not "It's cool."

5. Can I use "cool" directly in Spanish?

While some English words have made their way into Spanish, "cool" is not commonly used in the same way. It might be understood in some contexts, especially among younger generations who are exposed to English media, but it's better to use the native Spanish equivalents to sound more natural.