universal
adjectiveCEFR B2
What does “universal” mean in English?
universal — applying to all people or situations everywhere; not limited to one place or group
universal — applying to all people or situations everywhere; not limited to one place or group (derecho universal, valor universal)
Example sentences
El acceso a la educación es un derecho universal.
Access to education is a universal right.
El lenguaje de la música es universal.
The language of music is universal.
España introdujo el sufragio universal en 1890.
Spain introduced universal suffrage in 1890.
How to use it
'Universal' means universal — applying to or found everywhere, for all. Invariable for gender. Used with ser. Key collocations: 'derecho universal', 'sufragio universal', 'idioma universal'. Near-perfect cognate. The adverb is 'universalmente'.
Common mistake
Don't confuse 'universal' (applying to all) with 'general' (applying to most/in general) — 'universal' is absolute, 'general' allows exceptions.