Why You re Searching for Cool in Different Languages
Have you ever heard someone say “That’s so cool!” and wondered how to say that in Spanish, Japanese, or French? Or maybe you’re traveling, chatting with international friends, or writing something creative and want to sound culturally relevant.
If you’ve searched for cool in different languages, you’re likely looking for a fun and useful way to express admiration, excitement, or approval beyond English.
Good news — this article is your one-stop guide to understanding the word cool, how it’s used in everyday conversations, and how to say it in over 50 languages.
Whether you’re a traveler, language lover, content creator, or just curious, this post will give you the confidence to use this popular word anywhere in the world.
What Does “Cool” Mean? (In a Slang and Literal Sense)
The word cool is incredibly versatile in English. It can be used in two main ways:
- Literal Meaning – Related to temperature
“The breeze is cool this evening.” - Informal/Slang Meaning – To express something impressive, fun, stylish, or likable
“That outfit looks cool!”
“Wow, that new app is so cool!”
In this blog, we’re focusing mostly on the slang or informal meaning of the word — because that’s the version people want to say in different languages!
Why People Use “Cool” in Conversation
People often use cool to:
- Compliment someone or something
- Show agreement or excitement
- Express calmness or approval
- React in a trendy or youthful way
Examples:
- “You got tickets to the concert? Cool!”
- “I love your style — that jacket is really cool.”
- “Cool, let’s meet at 5 p.m.”
In many languages, slang evolves quickly. Still, most cultures have their own unique word that fills the same role as cool — and knowing those helps you connect better when you talk with native speakers.
Cool in 50+ Different Languages
Here’s a list of how to say “cool” (as in “awesome” or “great”) in various languages. Some are direct translations, others are slang used by locals.
| Language | Word / Phrase | Notes |
| Spanish | Guay / Genial | “Guay” is common in Spain |
| French | Chouette / Trop cool | “Trop cool” = so cool |
| German | Cool / Toll / Geil | “Geil” is very slangy, youthful |
| Italian | Forte / Fico | “Fico” is popular among young people |
| Portuguese | Legal / Bacana | Common slang in Brazil |
| Russian | Круто (Kruto) | Used like “awesome” |
| Japanese | クール (Kuuru) / かっこいい (Kakkoii) | “Kakkoii” means stylish/cool |
| Korean | 멋져요 (Meotjyeoyo) | Means “awesome” or “cool” |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 酷 (Kù) | Sounds like “cool” |
| Arabic | رائع (Ra’ie) | Means “great” or “fantastic” |
| Hindi | कूल (Cool) / ज़बरदस्त (Zabardast) | Both are used informally |
| Turkish | Havalı / Süper | “Havalı” means stylish |
| Dutch | Gaaf / Cool | “Gaaf” is Dutch slang |
| Greek | Κουλ (Koul) | Directly borrowed from English |
| Polish | Fajny / Super | Informal positive expressions |
| Swedish | Cool / Häftigt | “Häftigt” means awesome |
| Romanian | Tare / Cool | “Tare” = strong, used as slang |
| Finnish | Siisti / Cool | “Siisti” literally means “clean” |
| Hungarian | Menő / Klassz | Used to describe something trendy |
| Thai | เจ๋ง (Jeng) | Means “awesome” |
| Vietnamese | Tuyệt vời / Ngầu | “Ngầu” is slangy |
| Hebrew | מגניב (Magniv) | Means “great” or “cool” |
| Filipino | Astig / Ayos | Common local slang |
| Malay | Hebat / Cool | “Hebat” = amazing |
| Swahili | Poa | Casual way to say “cool” |
| Indonesian | Keren | Used for people or things |
| Ukrainian | Класно (Klasno) | Means “nice” or “cool” |
| Bengali | দারুন (Darun) | Means excellent |
| Tamil | சுவாரசியமானது (Suvaaraasiyamaanathu) | Long form, less slangy |
| Punjabi | ਵਧੀਆ (Vadhia) | Means “great” |
| Persian (Farsi) | باحال (Ba-haal) | Means “fun” or “cool” |
| Norwegian | Kul | Direct translation of “cool” |
| Icelandic | Kúl / Flott | “Flott” = elegant or cool |
Language and slang evolve, and what’s considered “cool” in one dialect may sound awkward in another. Always pay attention to local context.
How to Use “Cool” Naturally in Other Languages
Here’s how you might use cool casually in a few different contexts:
- Making a Plan
- Spanish: “Nos vemos a las 8.” — “¡Genial!” (Cool!)
- Spanish: “Nos vemos a las 8.” — “¡Genial!” (Cool!)
- Reacting to News
- Japanese: “それはクールですね！” (That’s cool!)
- Japanese: “それはクールですね！” (That’s cool!)
- Giving Compliments
- French: “Ta veste est trop cool !” (Your jacket is so cool!)
- French: “Ta veste est trop cool !” (Your jacket is so cool!)
- Online Chat or Messages
- Russian: “Круто!” (Kruto!) — Used like “Awesome!”
- Russian: “Круто!” (Kruto!) — Used like “Awesome!”
Try to mimic how native speakers actually use the word, especially in informal chats, social media, or texting.
Conclusion
By now, you’ve not only discovered how cool is used in different languages, but you also understand the cultural context behind each word. Whether you’re traveling, texting international friends, or just want to spice up your vocabulary, using the local version of “cool” helps you connect better and sound more natural.
