Which one should you use?
The phrase una chica es atractiva is a polite and standard way to say a girl is attractive. This differs from using English slang directly translated, which might sound vulgar or unnatural in Spanish. For a more permanent description of a girl's good looks, you can also say una chica es guapa.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a polite and neutral way to express that you find someone physically appealing, you can use Ella es muy atractiva. For highly informal or sexually suggestive situations, the phrase una chica está buena is commonly used to mean a girl is "hot" or "sexy". Other informal options include Ella está increíble to emphasize astonishing attractiveness, or Ella está súper sexy to highlight sexiness in a playful manner. Ella está buenísima also conveys a stronger and more casual attraction.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you may hear Ella está bien buena or Está bien sabrosa to express attraction. In Spain, Está buenorra is a playful and informal way to express physical attraction.
How do you pronounce it?
/una tʃika es atɾaɡtiba/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying una chica está caliente to mean she is physically attractive. In Spanish, está caliente usually refers to physical temperature or being sexually aroused.
Did you know?
- In Mexico, the word sabrosa is often used to describe someone who is 'hot', even though its primary meaning is 'tasty' or 'flavorful'.
- The English word 'is' and the Spanish word es both share a common ancestor in the Proto-Indo-European root *h₁ésti.
- While está buena describes a 'hot' person, the word buena literally means 'good'. This makes the phrase essentially describe a person as being 'good' in a physical sense.
Examples in context
- Creo que una chica es atractiva si tiene confianza.I think a girl is attractive if she has confidence.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are talking about a new classmate.
- Alejandro¿Viste a la chica nueva? Una chica es atractiva, ¿verdad?Did you see the new girl? That girl is hot, right?
- MaríaSí, es muy guapa.Yes, she is very pretty.
- AlejandroMe gusta mucho su estilo.I really like her style.
- MaríaTienes razón, es muy llamativa.You're right, she is very striking.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries es, una, CC BY-SA 4.0.
