The Spanish prefix super- is a cognate of the English prefix "super" and is used in much the same way. Like other Spanish prefixes, it is placed in front of other words without the use of a hyphen.
Most commonly, super- is used with words to indicate that something is what it is to a greater degree than is usual. A few examples:
- superdotado — highly gifted
- supergoma — superglue
- superhéroe — superhero
- superfino — superfine
- superinteligente — especially intelligent
- supermercado — supermarket
- superordenador — supercomputer
Super- can also be used to indicate an excess, which in some cases is translated by the English "over-":
- la superabundancia — overabundance
- superávit — surplus
- superpoblación — overcrowding
- superproducción — overproduction
- supersónico — over the speed of sound
One uncommon meaning of super- is to mean "physically above." Perhaps the most common word using that meaning is superestructura, which, as a construction term, can refer to a part of a building that is placed above the regular level or another part of the building. Also, supermaxilar refers to the upper jaw.
