Spanish word

bárbaro

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈbaɾβaɾo/

Meaning

  • interjectionwow

Example

¡Bárbaro! Lo lograste.

Wow, you did it.

Illustration for bárbaro (wow)

More examples

¡Bárbaro, qué sorpresa!

Wow, what a surprise!

Core concept

An emphatic exclamation expressing admiration or amazement.

Common phrases

  • ¡Qué bárbaro!

    how amazing

  • ¡Bárbaro, qué bien!

    how great

Similar words

genial: Warm delight and pleasant surprise at a very good outcome.
estupendo: Powerful admiration and awe for something truly outstanding.
fantástico: Enthusiastic appreciation for an unexpectedly amazing event.
increíble: Utter astonishment at an occurrence that defies belief.

Definition in Spanish

Se usa para mostrar que algo es excelente, sorprendente o admirable en situaciones cotidianas.

Word origin

Derived from Greek barbaros through Latin barbarus originally meaning 'outsider' or 'barbarian', later repurposed in Spanish to signal positive surprise.

Usage tips

  • Although it resembles the English adjective 'barbaric', as an interjection bárbaro usually means praise or wonder, not brutality.

Other meanings

  • wonderfuladjective
  • barbaricadjective

Related words

Word lists with this word