bonita
/bonita/from spelling rules
bonita is the Spanish adjective for "pretty" or "beautiful".
The adjective bonita is used to describe someone or something that is pretty or beautiful. You can use the phrase qué bonita to exclaim "how pretty!" or "how beautiful!"
Which one should you use?
While bonita means pretty or beautiful, it is generally considered a milder or more casual compliment than hermosa or bella, which imply a higher degree of beauty.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, people commonly use the word linda to describe something or someone pretty. In Mexico, you may use chula or preciosa to express the same sentiment as bonita.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in number and gender with the noun it describes. bonita is the feminine singular form. The masculine form is bonito. For feminine plural nouns, use bonitas and for masculine plural nouns, use bonitos.
How do you pronounce it?
/bonita/
Did you know?
- In some contexts, bonito refers to a type of small fish known in English as the 'bonito'. This is a literal name for the species rather than a description of the fish's appearance.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, calling a person bonita can sound slightly condescending or overly simplistic, as if you are describing a child or a pet rather than an adult.
- The word bonita shares a root with the French word beau and the Italian word bello, all of which evolved from the Latin bellus, meaning 'handsome' or 'fine'.
Examples in context
- ¡Qué chula es tu casa!How nice your house is!
- Ese vestido es lindoThat dress is pretty
- Las flores son bonitasThe flowers are beautiful
- Tienes una casa bonitaYou have a beautiful house
- Me parece bonita esa canciónI think that song is beautiful
- Esa flor es muy bonita.That flower is very pretty.
- La vista desde aquí es bonita.The view from here is beautiful.
- Tu casa es muy bonita.Your house is very pretty.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are looking at a painting in a gallery.
- Alejandro¿Te gusta esta pintura, María?Do you like this painting, María?
- MaríaSí, es una obra muy bonita.Yes, it is a very beautiful work.
- AlejandroTienes razón, los colores son estupendos.You are right, the colors are great.
- MaríaEs realmente una pieza muy bonita.It is truly a very pretty piece.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
