inteligente
When someone is inteligente, it means they are quick to learn, understand, and apply knowledge. You can use it to describe people, like "Ella es muy inteligente" (She is very intelligent), or even animals. It's a useful word for talking about someone's sharp mind or their ability to solve problems.
When talking about someone being intelligent, you can use the word inteligente. For example, if you want to say "He is an intelligent boy," you would say, "Él es un chico inteligente."
You can also use inteligente to describe things that are smart or clever, like a smart decision or a clever device. For instance, "Es una decisión inteligente" means "It's a smart decision."
Remember that inteligente works for both masculine and feminine nouns, and for singular and plural forms, you just need to add an 's' for plural. For example, "Ellos son chicos inteligentes."
§ What does inteligente mean?
Alright, let's talk about the Spanish word 'inteligente'. It's an adjective, and it directly translates to 'intelligent' or 'smart' in English. Pretty straightforward, right? You'll use it in Spanish just like you'd use 'smart' to describe people, animals, or even ideas and decisions in English.
§ When to use inteligente
So, when do people actually use 'inteligente' in everyday Spanish? It's really common. You'll hear it when people want to say someone is bright, clever, or quick-witted. It's not just about book smarts; it can also describe someone who is good at solving problems or understanding complex things.
- Definition
- Intelligent, smart. Used for people, animals, ideas, or actions.
Here are some common situations where you'd use 'inteligente':
- To describe a person who is smart or clever.
- To talk about a smart animal, like a dog that learns tricks quickly.
- To characterize an idea or a decision as intelligent or well-thought-out.
- To say someone is quick to understand things.
Ella es muy inteligente.
This means: She is very smart.
Mi perro es muy inteligente.
This means: My dog is very intelligent.
So, if you're talking about more than one smart person or thing, you'd say 'inteligentes'.
Son personas muy inteligentes.
This means: They are very intelligent people.
You'll often hear 'inteligente' in casual conversation. It's a really useful word to have in your vocabulary because intelligence is something we often talk about. Whether you're complimenting someone on their quick thinking, describing a clever solution, or simply saying that your pet is bright, 'inteligente' is the word you'll reach for.
Think about it like this: when you want to express the idea of 'smart' or 'clever' in Spanish, 'inteligente' is your go-to word. It's straightforward, widely understood, and applicable in many contexts. Don't overthink it. Just like you'd say 'smart' in English, use 'inteligente' in Spanish.
So, to recap, 'inteligente' means intelligent or smart. Use it to describe people, animals, ideas, or actions that show intelligence. It's a common and versatile adjective that will help you communicate effectively in Spanish. Keep practicing with it, and you'll be using it naturally in no time!
How Formal Is It?
"El investigador mostró un intelecto sagaz para resolver el caso."
"Es una persona inteligente y aprende rápido."
"¡Qué listo eres! Siempre sabes la respuesta."
"El conejito es muy listo y encuentra todas las zanahorias."
"Mi amigo es un cerebrito, saca las mejores notas en todo."
Niveau de difficulté
short
short
short
short
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Exemples par niveau
Mi hermana es muy inteligente; siempre saca buenas notas en la escuela.
My sister is very smart; she always gets good grades in school.
Here 'inteligente' describes 'hermana' (sister), a feminine noun, but the adjective remains 'inteligente' as it's gender-neutral. 'Muy' (very) intensifies the adjective.
Para resolver este problema, necesitamos una solución inteligente.
To solve this problem, we need a clever solution.
'Inteligente' describes 'solución' (solution), a feminine noun. It precedes the noun here for emphasis, but can also follow.
Los estudiantes más inteligentes del curso terminaron el examen rápido.
The smartest students in the course finished the exam quickly.
Here 'inteligentes' is plural to agree with 'estudiantes' (students). 'Más' (most) is used to form the superlative.
Es inteligente planificar con anticipación para evitar problemas.
It's smart to plan ahead to avoid problems.
In this impersonal construction, 'inteligente' describes the act of planning. 'Es' (it is) is used with the infinitive verb.
El perro de mi vecino es increíblemente inteligente; aprende trucos muy rápido.
My neighbor's dog is incredibly intelligent; he learns tricks very fast.
'Increíblemente' (incredibly) is an adverb modifying 'inteligente'. 'El perro' (the dog) is masculine, but 'inteligente' remains unchanged.
Siempre he admirado a la gente que es inteligente y humilde a la vez.
I have always admired people who are intelligent and humble at the same time.
'Gente' (people) is singular and feminine in Spanish, so 'inteligente' is singular. 'A la vez' means 'at the same time'.
¿Crees que fue una decisión inteligente mudarse a otro país sin trabajo?
Do you think it was a smart decision to move to another country without a job?
'Decisión' (decision) is a feminine noun, so 'inteligente' agrees in number. The question uses the past tense 'fue' (it was).
Ella es una científica brillante y muy inteligente en su campo.
She is a brilliant scientist and very intelligent in her field.
'Científica' (scientist) is feminine, and 'inteligente' applies to her. 'En su campo' means 'in her field'.
Mi hermana es muy inteligente; siempre saca las mejores notas en la escuela.
My sister is very intelligent; she always gets the best grades in school.
Use 'es' (ser) for inherent qualities like intelligence.
El diseño de este nuevo teléfono es realmente inteligente, con muchas funciones útiles.
The design of this new phone is really smart, with many useful features.
'Inteligente' can also describe things, meaning 'clever' or 'ingenious'.
Para resolver este problema, necesitamos una solución inteligente y creativa.
To solve this problem, we need an intelligent and creative solution.
Adjectives follow the noun in Spanish, e.g., 'solución inteligente'.
Es un estudiante muy inteligente, siempre entiende los conceptos rápidamente.
He is a very intelligent student, he always understands concepts quickly.
Use 'muy' to intensify adjectives, similar to 'very' in English.
¿Crees que fue una decisión inteligente mudarse a otro país sin un plan claro?
Do you think it was a smart decision to move to another country without a clear plan?
The word 'decisión' is feminine, so 'inteligente' (which is gender-neutral) agrees.
La inteligencia artificial se ha vuelto cada vez más inteligente.
Artificial intelligence has become increasingly intelligent.
'Cada vez más' means 'increasingly' or 'more and more'.
Ella es una persona inteligente que siempre tiene algo interesante que decir.
She is an intelligent person who always has something interesting to say.
'Que' introduces a relative clause, meaning 'who' or 'that'.
Necesitamos mentes inteligentes para abordar los desafíos globales de hoy.
We need intelligent minds to address today's global challenges.
'Mentes' is plural, so 'inteligentes' is also plural.
Souvent confondu avec
This is the noun form, meaning 'intelligence.' It's often confused with the adjective 'inteligente.'
It's important to remember that 'inteligente' is an adjective that doesn't change for gender, only for number (inteligentes for plural).
The direct opposite, meaning 'not intelligent' or 'unintelligent.'
Facile à confondre
Often translated as 'smart' or 'clever,' but can also mean 'ready.'
While 'inteligente' refers to inherent intelligence, 'listo/a' can refer to a state of readiness or being clever/sharp in a more immediate sense.
El estudiante es muy inteligente. (The student is very intelligent.) ¡Estoy listo para el examen! (I am ready for the exam!)
Both 'inteligente' and 'sabio/a' relate to knowledge, but in different ways.
'Inteligente' describes mental acuity and the ability to learn and understand. 'Sabio/a' implies wisdom, often gained through experience and deep understanding, not just raw intellect.
Mi abuelo es muy sabio y siempre da buenos consejos. (My grandfather is very wise and always gives good advice.)
Can be used to describe someone 'brilliant,' similar to 'intelligent,' but also means 'shiny' or 'bright.'
When referring to a person, 'brillante' is a strong synonym for 'inteligente,' often implying exceptional intelligence or talent. However, its primary meaning is related to light.
Es un científico brillante. (He is a brilliant scientist.) El sol es muy brillante hoy. (The sun is very bright today.)
Implies a kind of cleverness or shrewdness, which can overlap with intelligence.
'Astuto/a' describes someone who is cunning, crafty, or sharp-witted, often in a way that involves outsmarting others. 'Inteligente' is a more general term for mental capacity.
El zorro es un animal muy astuto. (The fox is a very cunning animal.)
Means 'capable' or 'able,' which can be linked to intelligence.
'Capaz' refers to the ability to do something or having the necessary skills. While an intelligent person is often capable, 'capaz' doesn't directly describe intelligence itself but rather potential or actual ability.
Es capaz de aprender rápido. (He is capable of learning quickly.)
Astuces
Learn the basic meaning
Inteligente means intelligent or smart. It's a very common adjective.
Use with ser
Like most adjectives describing inherent qualities, use inteligente with the verb ser. For example: 'Él es inteligente' (He is smart).
Plural form
To make it plural, add an 's': inteligentes. For example: 'Ellas son inteligentes' (They are smart).
No gender change
Unlike many Spanish adjectives, inteligente does not change for gender. It's the same for masculine and feminine nouns. For example: 'El chico inteligente' (The smart boy) and 'La chica inteligente' (The smart girl).
Common phrases
You might hear '¡Qué inteligente!' (How smart!) as an exclamation.
Compare to 'listo'
While inteligente means 'intelligent,' listo can also mean 'smart' but often implies 'clever' or 'ready.' Pay attention to context.
Adverb form
The adverb form is inteligentemente (intelligently). For example: 'Ella trabaja inteligentemente' (She works intelligently).
Practice with examples
Try making your own sentences. 'Mi perro no es muy inteligente' (My dog is not very smart).
Listen for it
Pay attention to how native speakers use inteligente in conversations, movies, or songs. This helps with natural usage.
Don't confuse with English 'intelligent'
While the spelling is similar, remember the pronunciation in Spanish is different: 'een-teh-lee-HEN-teh'. Don't just transfer your English pronunciation.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Describing people's mental abilities.
- Ella es muy inteligente. (She is very intelligent.)
- Mi hermano es un chico inteligente. (My brother is a smart boy.)
- ¿Crees que soy inteligente? (Do you think I'm intelligent?)
Talking about pets or animals.
- Mi perro es muy inteligente, entiende muchos comandos. (My dog is very smart, he understands many commands.)
- Los delfines son animales muy inteligentes. (Dolphins are very intelligent animals.)
- ¿Es tu gato inteligente? (Is your cat smart?)
Referring to ideas, decisions, or solutions.
- Esa fue una decisión inteligente. (That was a smart decision.)
- Presentó una solución muy inteligente al problema. (He presented a very intelligent solution to the problem.)
- Es una idea inteligente. (It's a smart idea.)
Discussing technology or devices.
- Tengo un teléfono inteligente. (I have a smartphone.)
- Es una televisión inteligente. (It's a smart TV.)
- Esta nevera es muy inteligente. (This fridge is very smart.)
Complimenting someone's quick thinking or wit.
- ¡Qué respuesta tan inteligente! (What a smart answer!)
- Eres muy inteligente para los juegos de mesa. (You are very smart at board games.)
- Siempre tienes un comentario inteligente. (You always have a smart comment.)
Amorces de conversation
"¿Quién es la persona más inteligente que conoces?"
"¿Crees que los animales pueden ser inteligentes? ¿Por qué?"
"¿Cuál es la cosa más inteligente que has hecho esta semana?"
"¿Prefieres tener un teléfono inteligente o uno básico?"
"¿Qué significa ser inteligente para ti?"
Sujets d'écriture
Describe a time when you felt very intelligent. What happened?
Write about a 'smart' decision you made and its outcome.
How do you think intelligence is measured? Do you agree with it?
What is one thing you would like to become more intelligent about?
Imagine you have a 'smart' house. What kind of intelligent features would it have?
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsWhile both can mean 'smart,' 'inteligente' generally refers to a deeper, more inherent intelligence or intellectual capacity. 'Listo' can mean 'smart' in a more quick-witted, clever, or ready-to-learn sense. It can also mean 'ready.' For example, 'Estoy listo' means 'I am ready.' Think of 'inteligente' as 'brainy' and 'listo' as 'clever' or 'ready.'
Yes, absolutely! You can describe an intelligent dog or a smart dolphin using 'inteligente.' For instance, 'Mi perro es muy inteligente' (My dog is very intelligent).
No, 'inteligente' is a gender-neutral adjective. It remains the same whether you're describing a male or a female. For example, 'El chico es inteligente' (The boy is intelligent) and 'La chica es inteligente' (The girl is intelligent).
To make 'inteligente' plural, you simply add an 's' at the end: 'inteligentes.' For example, 'Los estudiantes son inteligentes' (The students are intelligent).
Yes, 'inteligente' is a very common and useful word in Spanish. You'll hear it frequently in everyday conversations.
Some common synonyms include 'listo' (as discussed, with nuances), 'sagaz' (sagacious, shrewd), and 'brillante' (brilliant). The best choice depends on the specific context. For general 'smart,' 'inteligente' is your go-to.
To say 'not intelligent,' you simply put 'no' before 'es' (is) or 'son' (are). For example, 'Él no es inteligente' (He is not intelligent) or 'Ellos no son inteligentes' (They are not intelligent).
Yes, it can. While you might often hear 'teléfono inteligente' for 'smartphone,' 'inteligente' can also describe other 'smart' objects or devices. For example, 'un sistema inteligente' (a smart system).
Common opposites include 'tonto' (silly, foolish), 'necio' (foolish, stubborn), or 'ignorante' (ignorant). 'Tonto' is probably the most common and direct opposite in everyday speech.
You can say something like, 'Ella es muy inteligente y aprende rápido' (She is very intelligent and learns quickly). This shows a direct link between their intelligence and their ability to learn fast.
Teste-toi 48 questions
Listen to the sentence about someone being smart.
Listen to the question about a dog's intelligence.
Listen to the sentence about smart students.
Read this aloud:
Él es un hombre inteligente.
Focus: in-te-li-HEN-te
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Yo soy inteligente.
Focus: YO soy in-te-li-HEN-te
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
¿Eres inteligente?
Focus: EH-res in-te-li-HEN-te?
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
My sister is very intelligent and learns quickly.
Do you think dogs are intelligent?
She always has intelligent ideas to solve problems.
Read this aloud:
Mi amigo es muy inteligente, siempre saca buenas notas.
Focus: in-te-li-HEN-te
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Quiero ser más inteligente para entender mejor las cosas.
Focus: que-RO ser MAS in-te-li-HEN-te
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Es una decisión inteligente estudiar cada día.
Focus: ES U-na de-si-SION in-te-li-HEN-te
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
The correct order is 'Ella es muy inteligente.' which means 'She is very intelligent.'
The correct order is 'Él es un estudiante inteligente.' which means 'He is a smart student.'
The correct order is 'La respuesta fue inteligente.' which means 'The answer was intelligent.'
Describe a person you know who is intelligent. What makes them intelligent? Use at least three adjectives and provide examples of their intelligence in action. (Write 3-4 sentences in Spanish)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Mi profesor de historia es muy inteligente. Siempre sabe mucho sobre diferentes culturas y puede explicar ideas complejas de una manera muy clara. Él es también muy creativo y siempre encuentra soluciones interesantes a los problemas. Es un placer aprender de él.
Imagine you are describing a new gadget. What features make it 'inteligente'? How does it make life easier? (Write 3-4 sentences in Spanish)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Este nuevo reloj es muy inteligente. Puede monitorear tu salud, responder llamadas y ayudarte a encontrar direcciones. Con su inteligencia artificial, aprende tus hábitos y te da recomendaciones útiles. Hace que la vida diaria sea mucho más eficiente.
Write a short paragraph about how you try to stay 'inteligente'. What activities do you do to keep your mind sharp? (Write 3-4 sentences in Spanish)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Para mantenerme inteligente, siempre trato de leer libros nuevos y aprender sobre diferentes temas. También me gusta resolver acertijos y jugar juegos de estrategia. Creo que es importante mantener la mente activa y curiosa. Estas actividades me ayudan a pensar de manera más crítica.
¿Por qué los amigos de Sofía le piden ayuda con sus tareas?
Read this passage:
Sofía es una estudiante muy dedicada. Siempre saca buenas notas en sus exámenes porque estudia mucho y entiende los conceptos rápidamente. Sus amigos siempre le piden ayuda con sus tareas, ya que Sofía es conocida por ser muy inteligente y por su capacidad para explicar temas difíciles de una manera sencilla.
¿Por qué los amigos de Sofía le piden ayuda con sus tareas?
El pasaje indica que 'Sofía es conocida por ser muy inteligente y por su capacidad para explicar temas difíciles de una manera sencilla,' lo que explica por qué sus amigos le piden ayuda.
El pasaje indica que 'Sofía es conocida por ser muy inteligente y por su capacidad para explicar temas difíciles de una manera sencilla,' lo que explica por qué sus amigos le piden ayuda.
¿Qué características buscaba el director en el candidato ideal?
Read this passage:
El director de la empresa buscaba a alguien con habilidades muy específicas para un nuevo proyecto. Necesitaba a una persona que pudiera resolver problemas complejos y que tuviera una visión innovadora. Después de varias entrevistas, contrató a Carlos, diciendo que su inteligencia y su forma de pensar fuera de lo común lo hacían el candidato perfecto.
¿Qué características buscaba el director en el candidato ideal?
El pasaje dice que el director 'Necesitaba a una persona que pudiera resolver problemas complejos y que tuviera una visión innovadora,' y por eso eligió a Carlos.
El pasaje dice que el director 'Necesitaba a una persona que pudiera resolver problemas complejos y que tuviera una visión innovadora,' y por eso eligió a Carlos.
¿Qué ejemplo se da de la inteligencia del perro Max?
Read this passage:
Mi perro, Max, es sorprendentemente inteligente. Aprende trucos muy rápido y entiende muchas palabras. A veces, siento que sabe lo que estoy pensando. Por ejemplo, si digo 'Vamos a caminar', él inmediatamente va a la puerta con su correa en la boca. Su inteligencia me impresiona cada día.
¿Qué ejemplo se da de la inteligencia del perro Max?
El texto menciona: 'Por ejemplo, si digo 'Vamos a caminar', él inmediatamente va a la puerta con su correa en la boca,' como un signo de su inteligencia.
El texto menciona: 'Por ejemplo, si digo 'Vamos a caminar', él inmediatamente va a la puerta con su correa en la boca,' como un signo de su inteligencia.
Which of these people would you describe as 'inteligente'?
The word 'inteligente' means intelligent or smart, so someone who solves complex problems quickly fits this description best.
If someone says 'Esa estudiante es muy inteligente', what are they probably referring to?
Being 'inteligente' relates to one's mental abilities, especially learning and understanding, not physical attributes or preferences.
Which situation best exemplifies someone being 'inteligente'?
Developing a new theory requires significant mental capacity and problem-solving skills, aligning with the definition of 'inteligente'.
Una persona 'inteligente' siempre sabe todas las respuestas a cualquier pregunta.
Being 'inteligente' means having the ability to learn and understand, but it doesn't mean knowing absolutely everything. It's about capacity, not encyclopedic knowledge.
Un animal puede ser descrito como 'inteligente' si muestra habilidades de aprendizaje y resolución de problemas notables.
Yes, 'inteligente' can apply to animals that exhibit high levels of learning and problem-solving abilities, like dolphins or some primates.
Si alguien es 'inteligente', significa que nunca comete errores.
Everyone makes mistakes, regardless of their intelligence. 'Inteligente' refers to mental capacity, not infallibility.
En un debate filosófico complejo, ¿qué cualidad es crucial para analizar los argumentos del oponente y construir una refutación sólida?
En un debate filosófico complejo, la agilidad mental es esencial para entender y responder eficazmente a argumentos intrincados.
Si alguien es descrito como 'poseedor de una inteligencia prodigiosa', ¿qué implica esto sobre su capacidad intelectual?
Una 'inteligencia prodigiosa' se refiere a una capacidad intelectual excepcionalmente alta.
En el contexto de la inteligencia artificial, ¿qué busca simular un algoritmo de aprendizaje profundo 'inteligente'?
En IA, un algoritmo 'inteligente' se centra en simular el aprendizaje, el razonamiento y la adaptación.
Una persona 'inteligente' siempre es capaz de predecir el futuro con exactitud.
La inteligencia se refiere a la capacidad de aprender y razonar, no a la habilidad de predecir el futuro con exactitud.
Se considera 'inteligente' a alguien que puede resolver problemas complejos y abstractos de manera eficiente.
La resolución eficiente de problemas complejos y abstractos es una característica clave de la inteligencia.
La inteligencia es una cualidad innata que no puede ser desarrollada o mejorada con la experiencia y el aprendizaje.
La inteligencia se puede desarrollar y mejorar significativamente a través de la experiencia, el aprendizaje y el entrenamiento cognitivo.
Choose the most appropriate synonym for "inteligente" in a formal context.
While 'brillante' and 'listo' can mean smart, 'sagaz' implies a deeper, more perceptive intelligence, often used in formal or literary contexts.
Which of these phrases best describes someone with a high level of "inteligencia emocional"?
Emotional intelligence (inteligencia emocional) specifically refers to the ability to understand and manage emotions, both one's own and others'.
In a philosophical discussion about artificial intelligence, which term would be most fitting to describe a truly self-aware machine?
While 'perspicaz' (perceptive) is related to intelligence, 'consciente' (conscious/self-aware) directly addresses the philosophical concept of a machine's awareness of its own existence, a key aspect in advanced AI discussions.
It is accurate to use "inteligente" interchangeably with "sabio" in all contexts when referring to a person.
While both relate to intellect, 'inteligente' means smart/intelligent, focusing on cognitive ability, whereas 'sabio' (wise) implies deep knowledge, experience, and good judgment, often gained over time. They are not always interchangeable.
A person who is "inteligente" always possesses a high degree of creativity.
Intelligence and creativity are distinct, albeit often correlated, traits. An intelligent person may or may not be highly creative, and vice-versa. There are different types of intelligence, and creativity is a specific facet.
The phrase "una decisión inteligente" implies a decision based on careful consideration and sound judgment.
To make an 'intelligent decision' (una decisión inteligente) suggests that the decision was well-thought-out, logical, and likely to yield positive results, reflecting good judgment.
This sentence structure (article + adjective + noun) is common in Spanish to emphasize a quality before the noun. The rest follows a standard subject-verb-object order.
The possessive adjective 'su' precedes the adjective 'inteligente' which modifies 'análisis'. The phrase 'de la situación' clarifies the analysis. The rest forms a clear predicate.
The demonstrative adjective 'aquel' starts the sentence, followed by the adjective 'inteligente' modifying 'discurso'. The 'del filósofo' specifies the origin. The verb 'dejó' leads to the object and its state.
/ 48 correct
Perfect score!
Learn the basic meaning
Inteligente means intelligent or smart. It's a very common adjective.
Use with ser
Like most adjectives describing inherent qualities, use inteligente with the verb ser. For example: 'Él es inteligente' (He is smart).
Plural form
To make it plural, add an 's': inteligentes. For example: 'Ellas son inteligentes' (They are smart).
No gender change
Unlike many Spanish adjectives, inteligente does not change for gender. It's the same for masculine and feminine nouns. For example: 'El chico inteligente' (The smart boy) and 'La chica inteligente' (The smart girl).
Exemple
Es una estudiante muy inteligente.
Contenu associé
Ce mot dans d'autres langues
Expressions liées
Plus de mots sur general
a causa de
A2For the reason of; owing to.
a condición de que
B2On condition that, provided that, or given that.
a dónde
A1To what place or destination?
a lo mejor
A2Maybe; perhaps.
a menos que
B1Unless.
a no ser que
B2Unless; should it not be that.
a pesar de
B1In spite of; despite.
a_pesar_de
B2In spite of; notwithstanding; despite.
a propósito
B2By the way, on purpose; incidentally; or intentionally.
a raíz de
B2As a result of; following directly from.
