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maravilloso

A2 adjective #3,000 most common 9 min read

maravilloso

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips maravilloso in 30 Seconds

Explanation maravilloso in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to express basic opinions. The word maravilloso is a fantastic addition to your vocabulary because it allows you to show enthusiasm simply. You will mostly use it in short sentences like 'Es maravilloso' (It is wonderful) or '¡Qué maravilloso!' (How wonderful!). At this stage, you should focus on the fact that it is a very positive word. You might use it to describe things you like, such as food, the weather, or a new friend. Even though grammar can be tricky, at A1, you can start practicing the difference between 'maravilloso' (for boys/masculine things) and 'maravillosa' (for girls/feminine things). For example, 'El sol es maravilloso' and 'La playa es maravillosa'. It is a 'power word' because it makes you sound more fluent and expressive than just using 'bien' or 'bueno'. You don't need complex sentences; just using the word correctly with a noun is a great achievement. Remember, it is a long word, so take your time pronouncing each syllable: ma-ra-vi-llo-so. Practicing this will help your mouth get used to the Spanish 'll' sound, which in most places sounds like the 'y' in 'yes'. Using this word will help you connect with native speakers because it shows you are happy and appreciative of what is around you. In A1, we keep it simple: subject + verb 'ser' + maravilloso/a. 'Mi perro es maravilloso.' 'Mi gata es maravillosa.' This foundation will help you as you move to more complex structures in higher levels. Don't worry about placing it before the noun yet; just put it after the noun or after the verb 'ser'.

At the A2 level, you are expected to describe your surroundings and past experiences in more detail. Maravilloso becomes a key tool for describing vacations, weekend plans, and people you have met. You should now be comfortable with the plural forms: 'maravillosos' and 'maravillas'. For example, if you visited several museums, you could say: 'Los museos fueron maravillosos'. This level also introduces the use of 'maravilloso' to react to news. If someone says they are getting married, you can respond, '¡Qué noticia tan maravillosa!'. You are also starting to understand that adjectives like maravilloso can be used with 'estar' in some specific contexts to describe a temporary state of wonder, though 'ser' remains the most common. You should also be aware of the adverbial form 'maravillosamente', although you might not use it as often yet. At A2, you can start to vary your vocabulary by comparing 'maravilloso' with 'estupendo' or 'muy bueno'. You are building the ability to give reasons for your opinions. Instead of just saying 'El viaje fue maravilloso', you might say 'El viaje fue maravilloso porque la gente era muy amable'. This shows a progression in your ability to link ideas. You should also start noticing the word in media, like song lyrics or simple news stories. It is a word that conveys a lot of emotion, so try to use it when you really mean it. It helps you move beyond the 'basic' learner phase into a more 'expressive' phase where your personality starts to show in Spanish.

At the B1 level, you are moving into more abstract and complex uses of the language. You can now use maravilloso to describe not just physical things, but also ideas, concepts, and abstract feelings. You might discuss a 'maravillosa oportunidad' (wonderful opportunity) or a 'maravillosa idea'. At this stage, you should be confident in placing the adjective before the noun for stylistic effect, such as 'una maravillosa tarde de verano'. This adds a level of sophistication to your writing and speaking. You also start to use maravilloso in the subjunctive mood, which is a hallmark of the B1 level. For example: 'Es maravilloso que hayamos ganado' (It is wonderful that we have won). This requires you to understand the emotional trigger that 'maravilloso' provides for the subjunctive. You are also exploring the word family more deeply, using the noun 'maravilla' in phrases like 'a las mil maravillas' (perfectly/wonderfully). Your ability to distinguish between maravilloso and its synonyms like 'magnífico' or 'formidable' is growing. You understand that 'maravilloso' has a certain magical or emotive quality that 'excelente' might lack. In your writing, you can use it to create a more vivid picture for the reader. If you are writing a story or an essay about a personal experience, maravilloso helps you convey the impact that experience had on you. You are no longer just describing things; you are evaluating them and expressing their value in a more nuanced way.

At the B2 level, your command of maravilloso should be quite natural and varied. You are expected to use it in a wide range of contexts, including professional and academic settings where you might be praising a colleague's work or a historical event. You understand the subtle difference in tone between 'maravilloso' and more formal adjectives like 'excepcional' or 'sobresaliente'. You can use the word in complex sentence structures, including those with relative clauses: 'Fue un evento maravilloso, el cual recordaremos por siempre'. Your use of the word before the noun is now deliberate, used to create a specific rhetorical effect in speeches or formal writing. You are also familiar with the idiomatic uses and can identify when 'maravilloso' might be used sarcastically in certain contexts, although this is less common than in English. At B2, you should also be comfortable using the adverb 'maravillosamente' to modify verbs and other adjectives: 'un plan maravillosamente estructurado' (a wonderfully structured plan). You can engage in debates about what makes something 'maravilloso' versus simply 'funcional' (functional). Your vocabulary is large enough that you don't over-use 'maravilloso', but rather save it for when it truly fits the high level of praise you intend to give. You also start to notice how the word is used in different regional dialects of Spanish, noting that while the meaning is the same, the frequency of use might vary. This level of linguistic awareness is what defines a B2 learner.

At the C1 level, you use maravilloso with the precision of a native speaker. You are aware of its etymological roots and how that history informs its current usage in literature and high-level discourse. You can analyze the use of 'maravilloso' in literary movements like 'lo real maravilloso' (marvelous realism), a key concept in Latin American literature. You understand how authors like Alejo Carpentier used this concept to describe the unique reality of the Americas. In your own writing, you use 'maravilloso' to create specific moods and to navigate the fine line between the literal and the figurative. You can use the word in highly formal contexts, such as an academic critique of an artwork, where you might discuss the 'maravillosa técnica' of the artist. You are also adept at using the word in negative or ironic constructions if necessary, though always with a clear understanding of the social cues involved. Your ability to substitute 'maravilloso' with highly specific synonyms like 'prodigioso', 'portentoso', or 'sublime' shows your deep mastery of the Spanish lexicon. You can explain the nuances of these words to others, noting that 'maravilloso' remains the most versatile and emotionally accessible of the group. At C1, the word is not just a vocabulary item; it is a tool for nuanced expression and cultural analysis. You are able to appreciate the word's role in the 'Golden Age' of Spanish literature and how its meaning has evolved over centuries to its modern usage.

At the C2 level, your mastery of maravilloso is complete. You can use the word in any context, from the most casual slang to the most esoteric philosophical discussion. You are aware of the word's phonological beauty and may use it in poetry or creative prose for its rhythmic qualities. You can discuss the word's relationship with the concept of 'thauma' (wonder) in Greek philosophy and how that translates into the Spanish 'maravilla'. Your understanding of the word is so deep that you can play with its usage, perhaps using it in archaic ways for stylistic effect or to mimic historical texts. You are a master of the subtle shifts in meaning that occur when 'maravilloso' is paired with different verbs or placed in different parts of a sentence. In high-level professional settings, you use the word to inspire and motivate, knowing exactly the emotional weight it carries. You can also critique the use of the word in others' writing, identifying when it is used as a cliché and when it is used with genuine intent. For a C2 learner, maravilloso is part of a vast, interconnected web of language that includes history, culture, and personal expression. You might even explore how the word translates across other Romance languages, comparing it with the French 'merveilleux' or Italian 'meraviglioso', and understanding the shared heritage and divergent paths of these terms. At this level, the word is a brush in your hand, and you use it to paint complex, vivid pictures of the world as you see it.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

maravilloso in 30 Seconds

Maravilloso means wonderful or amazing and is used to show high praise.
It must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes.
It can be placed before or after a noun, with placement before being more poetic.
Commonly used in exclamations like '¡Qué maravilloso!' to show excitement.

The Spanish word maravilloso is a high-frequency adjective used to describe anything that evokes a sense of wonder, admiration, or extreme satisfaction. At its core, it translates to wonderful or marvelous in English. Its roots are deeply embedded in the concept of a miracle or a wonder, stemming from the Latin word mirabilis. When a Spanish speaker calls something maravilloso, they are often expressing a genuine sense of awe or high praise. This is not a word used for the mundane; it is reserved for experiences, objects, or people that stand out from the ordinary. In the context of daily life, you might hear it used to describe a delicious meal, a breathtaking sunset, or a particularly kind gesture. It carries a positive emotional weight that is stronger than the word bueno (good) or even muy bueno (very good).

Emotional Intensity: The word conveys a level of enthusiasm that suggests the speaker is truly impressed. It is a word of superlatives, even if it is not grammatically a superlative itself.

Fue un viaje maravilloso por las montañas de los Andes.

Beyond physical beauty, maravilloso can describe abstract concepts like an idea or a solution. If someone proposes a great plan, you might respond with ¡Qué maravilloso! to show your full support. It is also a word that appears frequently in literature and film titles, such as the Spanish translation of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, which is El Maravilloso Mago de Oz. This usage reinforces its connection to magic and the extraordinary. In terms of frequency, it is a staple of the Spanish language, appearing in both formal speeches and informal conversations. However, because it is such a strong word, overusing it can sometimes dilute its impact, much like the word amazing in English. Understanding the nuance of maravilloso involves recognizing that it is not just about quality, but about the feeling of wonder that quality inspires.

Register: While common in everyday speech, it is also perfectly acceptable in formal writing, reviews, and academic discussions about art or history.

La actuación de la orquesta fue simplemente maravillosa.

Tienes una familia maravillosa, deberías estar orgulloso.

Synonym Nuance: Compared to genial, which is often more informal like great, maravilloso sounds slightly more elegant and profound.

El libro ofrece un mundo maravilloso lleno de aventuras.

Es un día maravilloso para caminar por el parque.

Using maravilloso correctly in Spanish requires an understanding of two main grammatical pillars: gender/number agreement and adjective placement. Since maravilloso is an adjective ending in -o, it must change its ending to match the noun it describes. For a masculine singular noun like el libro, you use maravilloso. For a feminine singular noun like la noticia, you use maravillosa. For masculine plural nouns like los paisajes, it becomes maravillosos, and for feminine plural nouns like las experiencias, it becomes maravillosas. This agreement is non-negotiable and is one of the first things a learner must master.

Agreement Rules: Masculine: maravilloso(s); Feminine: maravillosa(s). The adjective always follows the gender and number of the noun it modifies.

Estas flores son maravillosas y huelen muy bien.

Adjective placement is another crucial aspect. In Spanish, adjectives usually come after the noun (un libro maravilloso). This is the standard descriptive position. However, placing maravilloso before the noun (un maravilloso libro) is also possible and often adds a poetic or subjective emphasis. When placed before the noun, the speaker is emphasizing their personal feeling or the inherent quality of the noun rather than just identifying a characteristic. This is common in storytelling and emotive speech. For example, una vista maravillosa sounds like a factual description of a view, whereas una maravillosa vista sounds more like the speaker is lost in the beauty of it.

Placement Nuance: Noun + Maravilloso = Objective/Standard. Maravilloso + Noun = Subjective/Poetic/Emphatic.

Vivimos en un mundo maravilloso.

Fue una maravillosa oportunidad para todos.

Sentence Structure: Commonly used with exclamation marks: ¡Qué maravilloso! (How wonderful!) to express immediate reaction.

Los resultados del examen son maravillosos.

Ella tiene una voz maravillosa cuando canta.

In the Spanish-speaking world, maravilloso is a word that bridges the gap between high art and everyday enthusiasm. You will hear it in tourism advertisements describing the maravillas (wonders) of a country, such as the ruins of Machu Picchu or the beaches of the Caribbean. It is the language of travel brochures and documentary narrators who want to inspire awe in their audience. In the realm of family and social life, it is a common way to compliment someone's achievements or character. If a friend tells you they got a promotion, saying ¡Qué maravilloso! is a warm and supportive response.

Tourism Context: Frequently used to describe landmarks, nature, and cultural heritage sites.

España tiene monumentos maravillosos en cada ciudad.

In the world of entertainment and media, maravilloso is used by critics to review films, plays, and concerts. A maravilloso performance is one that is technically flawless and emotionally resonant. You will also see it in the titles of children's stories, where it evokes the sense of magic and fairy tales (cuentos de hadas). In these contexts, the word is not just an adjective but a promise of something extraordinary. Furthermore, in some Latin American countries, the word might be used slightly more frequently in polite conversation than in Spain, where synonyms like estupendo or genial might be more common for smaller things. However, regardless of the region, maravilloso remains universally understood and respected as a term of high praise.

Artistic Praise: Used by critics to denote excellence in creative works.

La película tiene un guion maravilloso.

¡Es un invento maravilloso que cambiará el mundo!

Daily Interaction: Used as a quick exclamation to show agreement or delight.

Me parece un plan maravilloso para el fin de semana.

El servicio en este hotel es maravilloso.

One of the most common mistakes English speakers make when using maravilloso is failing to apply the correct gender and number agreement. Because English adjectives are static (wonderful stays wonderful regardless of the noun), learners often forget to change the ending to maravillosa, maravillosos, or maravillosas. For instance, saying *el comida es maravilloso is a double error: comida is feminine (la comida), so it should be la comida es maravillosa. Another error is the confusion between maravilloso and milagroso. While both relate to wonders, milagroso is strictly for miracles in a religious or supernatural sense, whereas maravilloso is for things that are simply very good or beautiful.

Agreement Error: Incorrect: *Las casas son maravilloso. Correct: Las casas son maravillosas.

¡Qué idea más maravillosa has tenido!

Another subtle mistake is over-reliance on the word. While it is a great word, native speakers use a variety of adjectives like estupendo, genial, fantástico, or excelente depending on the context. Using maravilloso for every single positive thing can make your Spanish sound a bit repetitive or overly dramatic. Furthermore, be careful with the placement. While placing it before the noun is allowed, doing so incorrectly can change the rhythm of the sentence in a way that sounds unnatural to native ears. Stick to placing it after the noun until you are comfortable with the poetic nuances of pre-nominal adjectives. Finally, some learners confuse maravilloso with the adverb maravillosamente. If you are describing *how* something was done, you need the adverb: Ella canta maravillosamente (She sings wonderfully), not *Ella canta maravilloso.

Word Type Confusion: Adjective: maravilloso (describes a noun). Adverb: maravillosamente (describes a verb).

El concierto terminó maravillosamente bien.

Fue un día maravilloso en la playa.

False Friend Warning: Do not confuse it with 'maravilla' which is the noun (a wonder). Example: Es una maravilla (It is a wonder) vs Es maravilloso (It is wonderful).

La vista desde aquí es maravillosa.

Tuvimos un tiempo maravilloso juntos.

Spanish is rich with adjectives that express positivity, and choosing the right one can make your speech sound more natural. While maravilloso is great for 'wonderful', you might want to use estupendo for 'great' or 'stupendous'. Estupendo is very common in Spain and sounds slightly more casual than maravilloso. Another alternative is genial, which is akin to 'cool' or 'brilliant'. Genial is often used for ideas, people, or situations that are clever or pleasant. For something truly outstanding or magnificent, you can use magnífico. This word carries a bit more weight and formality, often used for architecture, performances, or grand events.

Maravilloso vs. Estupendo: Maravilloso is more emotive and awe-inspired; Estupendo is more of a general high-quality marker.

El clima en esta isla es estupendo.

If you want to emphasize that something is hard to believe because it is so good, increíble (incredible) is your best bet. If something is perfect or excellent, you can use excelente or perfecto. For a more modern and informal tone, especially among young people, words like guay (Spain) or bacán (various South American countries) might be used, though these are much more informal than maravilloso. Another powerful word is asombroso, which literally means 'amazing' or 'astonishing', focusing on the element of surprise. Understanding these synonyms allows you to tailor your vocabulary to the specific level of excitement or formality you wish to convey.

Maravilloso vs. Increíble: Increíble focuses on the disbelief or rarity; Maravilloso focuses on the beauty and positive feeling.

Es una historia increíble pero cierta.

El diseño del edificio es magnífico.

Maravilloso vs. Genial: Genial is often more conversational and relates to brilliance or a 'cool' factor.

¡Qué genial que hayas podido venir!

Es un actor formidable.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word is related to 'miracle' (milagro) and 'mirror' (espejo), all sharing a root related to looking and wondering.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ma.ɾa.βi.ˈʝo.so/

US /ma.ɾa.βi.ˈʝo.so/

The stress is on the penultimate syllable: 'yo'.

Rhymes With

hermoso precioso famoso curioso generoso orgulloso ruidoso sabroso

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'll' as an English 'l'.
Rolling the 'r' too hard (it is a single tap 'r').
Putting the stress on the last syllable.
Pronouncing the 'v' as a hard English 'v' (it should be softer, closer to a 'b').
Ignoring the vowels; Spanish vowels are short and crisp.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to its similarity to 'marvelous'.

Writing 3/5

Requires attention to gender and number agreement.

Speaking 3/5

The 'll' and 'r' sounds require practice for correct pronunciation.

Listening 2/5

Usually clearly articulated in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

bueno malo grande lindo hermoso

Learn Next

estupendo magnífico increíble asombroso fenomenal

Advanced

prodigioso portentoso sublime excelso deslumbrante

Grammar to Know

Adjective-Noun Agreement

El libro maravilloso / Las casas maravillosas

Adjective Placement (Post-nominal vs Pre-nominal)

Una vista maravillosa vs Una maravillosa vista

Using 'Qué' for Exclamations

¡Qué maravilloso!

Subjunctive with Expressions of Emotion

Es maravilloso que estés aquí.

Ser vs Estar with Adjectives

La cena es maravillosa (inherent) vs La cena estuvo maravillosa (specific event).

Examples by Level

El día es maravilloso.

The day is wonderful.

Simple Subject + Verb 'Ser' + Adjective.

Mi mamá es maravillosa.

My mom is wonderful.

Feminine agreement: maravillosa.

¡Es un regalo maravilloso!

It is a wonderful gift!

Adjective follows the noun 'regalo'.

El gato es maravilloso.

The cat is wonderful.

Masculine agreement: maravilloso.

¡Qué maravilloso!

How wonderful!

Exclamatory phrase using 'Qué'.

Tengo un amigo maravilloso.

I have a wonderful friend.

Adjective follows the noun 'amigo'.

La comida está maravillosa.

The food is wonderful.

Using 'estar' to describe how the food tastes right now.

Es un lugar maravilloso.

It is a wonderful place.

Standard adjective placement.

Pasamos unas vacaciones maravillosas en la playa.

We spent some wonderful vacations at the beach.

Feminine plural agreement: maravillosas.

El hotel donde nos quedamos era maravilloso.

The hotel where we stayed was wonderful.

Imperfect tense 'era' used for description.

Recibí una noticia maravillosa esta mañana.

I received wonderful news this morning.

Feminine singular agreement: maravillosa.

Los paisajes de este país son maravillosos.

The landscapes of this country are wonderful.

Masculine plural agreement: maravillosos.

¡Qué maravilloso es viajar por el mundo!

How wonderful it is to travel the world!

Exclamatory structure with an infinitive.

Ella tiene unos ojos maravillosos.

She has wonderful eyes.

Masculine plural agreement with 'ojos'.

Fue un concierto maravilloso, me encantó la música.

It was a wonderful concert, I loved the music.

Preterite tense 'fue' for a completed event.

Este libro es maravilloso, deberías leerlo.

This book is wonderful, you should read it.

Standard descriptive use.

Es maravilloso que podamos pasar este tiempo juntos.

It is wonderful that we can spend this time together.

Triggers the subjunctive 'podamos'.

Tuvo una maravillosa idea para resolver el problema.

He/she had a wonderful idea to solve the problem.

Placement before the noun for emphasis.

Me parece maravilloso que quieras aprender español.

It seems wonderful to me that you want to learn Spanish.

Expression of opinion triggering the subjunctive.

Vivir en el campo es una experiencia maravillosa.

Living in the countryside is a wonderful experience.

Feminine agreement with 'experiencia'.

El director hizo un trabajo maravilloso con la película.

The director did a wonderful job with the movie.

Standard masculine agreement.

¡Qué maravillosas son las tradiciones de tu pueblo!

How wonderful are the traditions of your town!

Exclamatory plural feminine.

Fue una maravillosa oportunidad que no pude rechazar.

It was a wonderful opportunity that I couldn't refuse.

Pre-nominal placement for emotive effect.

La orquesta tocó de forma maravillosa.

The orchestra played in a wonderful way.

Using 'forma' + adjective as an adverbial phrase.

El proyecto fue un éxito maravilloso gracias al equipo.

The project was a wonderful success thanks to the team.

Professional context for praise.

Es maravilloso ver cómo ha evolucionado la tecnología.

It is wonderful to see how technology has evolved.

Infinitive phrase as the subject.

Descubrimos un maravilloso rincón escondido en la ciudad.

We discovered a wonderful hidden corner in the city.

Pre-nominal placement for discovery/surprise.

El autor describe un mundo maravilloso en su última novela.

The author describes a wonderful world in his latest novel.

Literary context.

Sería maravilloso que todos tuvieran acceso a la educación.

It would be wonderful if everyone had access to education.

Conditional + Subjunctive (Imperfect).

A pesar de los problemas, tuvimos un viaje maravilloso.

Despite the problems, we had a wonderful trip.

Contrastive sentence structure.

La científica presentó un maravilloso avance médico.

The scientist presented a wonderful medical breakthrough.

Formal/Academic praise.

Los resultados son maravillosos, superan nuestras expectativas.

The results are wonderful, they exceed our expectations.

Plural agreement and result-oriented context.

La obra es un ejemplo maravilloso del barroco español.

The work is a wonderful example of Spanish Baroque.

Art history/Criticism context.

Resulta maravilloso observar la complejidad de la naturaleza.

It is wonderful to observe the complexity of nature.

Using 'resultar' instead of 'ser' for nuanced description.

Su discurso fue maravilloso, lleno de elocuencia y pasión.

His speech was wonderful, full of eloquence and passion.

Formal rhetoric context.

Hay un maravilloso equilibrio entre la técnica y la emoción.

There is a wonderful balance between technique and emotion.

Pre-nominal placement for abstract concepts.

Sería maravilloso si pudiéramos alcanzar un consenso global.

It would be wonderful if we could reach a global consensus.

Hypothetical construction with high-level vocabulary.

La película captura de manera maravillosa la esencia de la época.

The film captures in a wonderful way the essence of the era.

Adverbial phrase 'de manera maravillosa'.

Es un maravilloso hallazgo que cambiará nuestra visión de la historia.

It is a wonderful discovery that will change our vision of history.

Strong descriptive adjective for a major event.

La sinfonía concluyó con un maravilloso movimiento final.

The symphony concluded with a wonderful final movement.

Musicology/Formal review context.

La prosa del autor es de un lirismo maravilloso y profundo.

The author's prose is of a wonderful and profound lyricism.

High-level literary analysis.

Lo maravilloso de su teoría radica en su aparente sencillez.

The wonderful thing about his theory lies in its apparent simplicity.

Using 'Lo + adjective' as a nominalized concept.

Se adentraron en lo real maravilloso, donde el mito y la realidad se funden.

They delved into the marvelous real, where myth and reality merge.

Reference to the literary movement 'lo real maravilloso'.

Es un maravilloso testimonio de la resiliencia humana.

It is a wonderful testimony to human resilience.

Philosophical/Existential context.

La arquitectura despliega un maravilloso juego de luces y sombras.

The architecture displays a wonderful play of light and shadows.

Descriptive/Technical praise.

Resulta maravilloso que, tras siglos, el texto conserve su frescura.

It is wonderful that, after centuries, the text retains its freshness.

Complex subjunctive construction with 'Resulta'.

Aquel maravilloso atardecer quedó grabado en sus retinas para siempre.

That wonderful sunset remained etched in their retinas forever.

Demonstrative 'aquel' used for distant, poetic memory.

La interconexión de los ecosistemas es un proceso maravilloso y frágil.

The interconnection of ecosystems is a wonderful and fragile process.

Scientific/Environmental context.

Common Collocations

un día maravilloso

un viaje maravilloso

una noticia maravillosa

un mundo maravilloso

una persona maravillosa

un lugar maravilloso

una idea maravillosa

un regalo maravilloso

una experiencia maravillosa

un tiempo maravilloso

Common Phrases

¡Qué maravilloso!

— A common exclamation to express delight or agreement. It means 'How wonderful!'

¡Qué maravilloso que hayas venido!

Me parece maravilloso

— A way to state your positive opinion about something. It means 'It seems wonderful to me.'

Me parece maravilloso tu nuevo proyecto.

Todo es maravilloso

— Used to describe a situation where everything is going perfectly.

En nuestra luna de miel, todo fue maravilloso.

Simplemente maravilloso

— Used for emphasis, meaning 'simply wonderful.'

Su actuación fue simplemente maravillosa.

Algo maravilloso

— Referring to an unspecified wonderful thing.

Te va a pasar algo maravilloso hoy.

Un futuro maravilloso

— Used to describe bright prospects.

Tienes un futuro maravilloso por delante.

Sentirse maravilloso

— To feel great or fantastic.

Me siento maravilloso después de la siesta.

Un descubrimiento maravilloso

— A great find or breakthrough.

Fue un descubrimiento maravilloso para la ciencia.

Una vista maravillosa

— A beautiful view.

Desde el balcón hay una vista maravillosa.

Un plan maravilloso

— A great plan or suggestion.

Es un plan maravilloso para el domingo.

Often Confused With

maravilloso vs milagroso

Milagroso refers to a literal miracle; maravilloso is for general wonder.

maravilloso vs miraculoso

This is a false cognate; use milagroso or maravilloso instead.

maravilloso vs maravilla

Maravilla is the noun (a wonder); maravilloso is the adjective (wonderful).

Idioms & Expressions

"A las mil maravillas"

— To go perfectly or wonderfully. Literally 'to the thousand wonders.'

Todo salió a las mil maravillas.

informal/common

"Maravilloso de la muerte"

— Extremely wonderful (slang mainly in Spain).

Este pastel está maravilloso de la muerte.

slang

"La octava maravilla"

— The eighth wonder of the world; used for something truly extraordinary.

Ese coche nuevo es la octava maravilla.

colloquial

"Vivir de maravilla"

— To live a great, comfortable life.

Desde que se jubiló, vive de maravilla.

informal

"Hacer maravillas"

— To work wonders.

Este producto hace maravillas con el pelo.

neutral

"Pedir maravillas"

— To expect miracles or impossible things.

No me pidas maravillas, hago lo que puedo.

informal

"Ser una maravilla"

— To be a marvel or a wonderful thing.

Tu hija es una maravilla.

neutral

"Contar maravillas"

— To speak very highly of something/someone.

Me han contado maravillas de ese restaurante.

neutral

"Oler de maravilla"

— To smell wonderful.

La comida huele de maravilla.

informal

"Sentar de maravilla"

— To suit someone perfectly (clothes or food).

Ese vestido te sienta de maravilla.

informal

Easily Confused

maravilloso vs Estupendo

Both mean great/wonderful.

Estupendo is often more casual and common in Spain.

El plan es estupendo.

maravilloso vs Genial

Both express high approval.

Genial often refers to brilliance or being 'cool'.

Eres un genio, ¡qué genial!

maravilloso vs Magnífico

Both mean marvelous.

Magnífico sounds more grand and formal.

El banquete fue magnífico.

maravilloso vs Increíble

Both used for high praise.

Increíble emphasizes disbelief.

Es increíble que hayas ganado.

maravilloso vs Fantástico

Both mean fantastic.

Fantástico can sometimes imply something imaginary.

Es un mundo fantástico.

Sentence Patterns

Es [adjective].

Es maravilloso.

¡Qué [adjective]!

¡Qué maravilloso!

[Noun] + [Verb Ser] + [Adjective].

La película es maravillosa.

[Verb Tener] + [Noun] + [Adjective].

Tengo un perro maravilloso.

Es maravilloso que + [Subjunctive].

Es maravilloso que vengas.

[Adjective] + [Noun].

Un maravilloso descubrimiento.

Resulta maravilloso + [Infinitive].

Resulta maravilloso viajar.

De una manera [adjective].

Canta de una manera maravillosa.

Word Family

Nouns

maravilla

Verbs

maravillar

maravillarse

Adjectives

maravilloso

mirar

mirada

admirable

admiración

milagro

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in all Spanish-speaking countries.

Common Mistakes

El vista es maravilloso. → La vista es maravillosa.
Vista is feminine, so it needs 'la' and 'maravillosa'.
Son libros maravilloso. → Son libros maravillosos.
Adjectives must match the plural form of the noun.
Ella canta maravilloso. → Ella canta maravillosamente.
To describe an action (verb), use the adverb 'maravillosamente'.
Es un milagroso día. → Es un maravilloso día.
Milagroso is for literal miracles; maravilloso is for 'wonderful'.
¡Qué maravillosa! → ¡Qué maravilloso!
When used as a general exclamation without a noun, the masculine singular is the default.

Tips

Gender Agreement

Always remember to change the -o to -a if the noun is feminine. This is a common mistake for English speakers.

The 'LL' Sound

Practice the 'll' sound like a 'y'. Say 'ma-ra-vi-yo-so' to sound more like a native speaker.

Use Synonyms

Don't just use 'maravilloso' for everything. Mix in 'estupendo', 'genial', and 'fantástico' to sound more fluent.

Tourism

You will see this word a lot in travel guides. It's the perfect word for describing new places.

Poetic Placement

Try putting 'maravilloso' before the noun in your journal to practice a more literary style.

Reacting to News

Keep '¡Qué maravilloso!' ready as a positive reaction. It works for almost any good news.

Identify in Songs

Listen for this word in Spanish love songs. It is very common in romantic lyrics.

Root Word

Remember it comes from 'maravilla' (wonder). This helps you remember the meaning.

Adverb Use

Learn 'maravillosamente' to describe actions. 'Lo hiciste maravillosamente' (You did it wonderfully).

Artistic Reviews

Use it when talking about a movie or a play you liked. It shows you appreciate the art.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Maravilloso' as 'Marvelous' with a Spanish twist. Both start with 'Mar' and describe things that are 'Marvel-ous'.

Visual Association

Imagine a bright 'M' made of stars over a beautiful ocean (mar). The stars represent the 'wonderful' quality.

Word Web

maravilla sol viaje alegría increíble fantástico hermoso lindo

Challenge

Try to use 'maravilloso' or 'maravillosa' three times today to describe something you see or do.

Word Origin

From the Spanish noun 'maravilla', which comes from the Latin 'mirabilia', the neuter plural of 'mirabilis' (wonderful, strange, remarkable).

Original meaning: Things worthy of being admired or wondered at.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

The word is universally positive and has no negative or sensitive connotations.

English speakers often use 'amazing' where Spanish speakers would use 'maravilloso'. Both words carry a similar emotional weight.

El Maravilloso Mago de Oz (The Wonderful Wizard of Oz) Lo Real Maravilloso (Literary concept) ¡Qué mundo tan maravilloso! (What a wonderful world - song translation)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Traveling

Un viaje maravilloso
Paisajes maravillosos
Una ciudad maravillosa
Vistas maravillosas

Socializing

Una persona maravillosa
¡Qué noticia más maravillosa!
Pasamos un tiempo maravilloso
Eres un amigo maravilloso

Arts and Literature

Un libro maravilloso
Una película maravillosa
Una actuación maravillosa
Un cuadro maravilloso

Daily Life

Un día maravilloso
Una comida maravillosa
Un regalo maravilloso
Una idea maravillosa

Nature

Un atardecer maravilloso
Un jardín maravilloso
Un cielo maravilloso
Un mar maravilloso

Conversation Starters

"¿Cuál ha sido el viaje más maravilloso de tu vida?"

"¿Conoces a alguna persona que consideres maravillosa?"

"¿Qué te parece lo más maravilloso de vivir en esta ciudad?"

"¿Has leído algún libro maravilloso recientemente?"

"¿Qué noticia maravillosa has recibido últimamente?"

Journal Prompts

Describe un día maravilloso que hayas tenido recientemente. ¿Qué hiciste y con quién estabas?

Escribe sobre una persona maravillosa en tu vida y por qué la admiras tanto.

Si pudieras visitar cualquier lugar maravilloso del mundo, ¿a dónde irías y por qué?

¿Qué pequeñas cosas en tu rutina diaria consideras maravillosas?

Imagina un futuro maravilloso para ti. ¿Cómo sería un día típico en ese futuro?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it is very common to call someone a 'persona maravillosa'. It means they are a wonderful or kind person. For example, 'Mi abuelo es una persona maravillosa' (My grandfather is a wonderful person).

Usually, it goes after the noun (un día maravilloso). However, if you want to be more poetic or emphasize your feelings, you can put it before (un maravilloso día). Both are correct, but after is more standard.

'Maravilloso' carries a bit more emotion and 'wonder'. 'Estupendo' is very common in Spain and is a general way to say 'great' or 'fine'. Both are very positive.

Add an 's' to the end. For masculine nouns, use 'maravillosos'. For feminine nouns, use 'maravillosas'. Example: 'Los libros maravillosos' or 'Las flores maravillosas'.

It is neutral. You can use it with friends, family, or in a formal letter. It is always a safe and polite word to use.

Yes, but usually with 'ser'. Use 'estar' when you are talking about a specific experience right now. 'La comida está maravillosa' (The food tastes wonderful right now).

The adverb is 'maravillosamente', which means 'wonderfully'. Example: 'Ella toca el piano maravillosamente' (She plays the piano wonderfully).

Yes, 'amazing' is one of the best translations for 'maravilloso'. Other translations include 'wonderful' and 'marvelous'.

It can be, but it's less common than in English. If someone says '¡Maravilloso!' when something goes wrong, they are being sarcastic, just like in English.

No, there is no common shortened version. You must say the full word.