Looking up...
universal
/uniβeɾˈsal/
universal
El amor es un sentimiento universal.
Love is a universal feeling.
formal
Applicable to all cases, conditions, or situations; present everywhere or in everyone.
La Declaración Universal de Derechos Humanos protege los derechos de todas las personas.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights protects the rights of all people.
Often used in legal, philosophical, or scientific contexts to describe concepts that apply globally.
formal
Of, affecting, or done by all people or things in the world or in a particular group; applicable to all cases.
La música es un lenguaje universal.
Music is a universal language.
Can describe concepts, emotions, or phenomena that are widely recognized or shared across cultures.
Collocations
derechos universalesuniversal rightsvalores universalesuniversal valuescultura universaluniversal culture
Pro Tip
Common Collocations
Pair 'universal' with abstract nouns like 'derechos' (rights), 'valores' (values), 'cultura' (culture), or 'lenguaje' (language) to describe concepts that apply broadly.
Gold Rule
Avoid Overgeneralization
While 'universal' means 'applicable to all,' avoid using it for things that are merely common or popular. For example, 'el café es universal' is incorrect; instead, say 'el café es popular en todo el mundo' (coffee is popular worldwide).
Word Origin
From Latin 'universalis', derived from 'universus' (all together, whole), from 'uni-' (one) + 'versus' (turned, inclined). The word entered Spanish in the 15th century through Latin.
Usage Notes
In Spanish, 'universal' is commonly used in formal contexts such as law, philosophy, and education. It can also describe something that is widespread or globally accepted.
Word Breakdown
uni-
one
prefix-vers-
turned, inclined
root-al
relating to
suffixDiccionario Español-Inglés