genio
nounCEFR B2
What does “genio” mean in English?
temper, temperament
temper, temperament (a person's habitual disposition; tener mal genio = to have a bad temper; un genio difícil)
Example sentences
El genio impulsivo del artista era conocido en el sector, aunque todos reconocían la calidad de su obra.
The artist's impulsive temperament was well known in the sector, although everyone recognised the quality of his work.
Perdió el genio cuando vio que sus instrucciones habían sido ignoradas por completo.
He lost his temper when he saw that his instructions had been completely ignored.
Einstein fue no solo un genio científico, sino también un pensador filosófico comprometido con el pacifismo.
Einstein was not only a scientific genius but also a philosophical thinker committed to pacifism.
How to use it
El genio (noun, masculine — temper sense) has two B2 meanings: (1) temperament/temper — especially a hot temper (tener mal genio; perder el genio), and (2) genius — exceptional ability or a very talented person (es un genio; el genio de Mozart). Core collocations: tener buen/mal genio; perder el genio; un genio de las matemáticas. The adjective is genial (brilliant). Context distinguishes the two meanings.
Common mistake
Genio covers both 'temper' and 'genius' — context is essential. Mal genio = bad temper. Tener genio = to have a temper OR to be a genius (ambiguous — add mal/buen or a noun modifier). Genial = brilliant/great (not 'genial' in the English sense of friendly).