ojos rasgados
/oxos ɾasɡados/from spelling rules
The English phrase "chinese eyes" can be translated into Spanish as ojos rasgados.
The phrase is used to describe eyes that have a narrow or slanted appearance, typical of people of East Asian descent.
What does it mean word for word?
The adjective rasgados comes from the verb rasgar, meaning 'to slit' or 'to tear', describing the appearance of the eye shape.
Which one should you use?
While 'ojos chinos' (Chinese eyes) is a common colloquial way to refer to this feature, ojos rasgados is the more descriptive and standard term for the shape itself.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, especially in Mexico, the phrase ojos rasgaditos is commonly used to describe the eye shape. In Spain, a common way to refer to the eye shape associated with Chinese people is ojos de almendra.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective rasgados must agree in gender and number with the masculine plural noun ojos.
Did you know?
- While ojos rasgados is a descriptive term for the shape, using the direct translation of 'Chinese eyes' as ojos chinos can be perceived as highly offensive or derogatory in many Spanish-speaking countries.
- The adjective rasgados is also used in the world of fashion to describe a 'slit' or a 'tear' in a garment, such as a 'rasgado' design in a skirt.
- In certain Spanish-speaking regions, calling someone's eyes rasgados is used as a poetic compliment to describe 'almond-shaped' eyes, even if the person has no East Asian heritage.
Examples in context
- Sus ojos rasgados son muy expresivosTheir slanted eyes are very expressive
- Me gusta cómo tienes los ojos achinados, te hacen muy simpático/aI like how your eyes are slanted, it makes you look very friendly
- ¡Ay, esos ojos rasgaditos que tiene!Oh, those little slanted eyes you have!
- Ella tiene los ojos rasgados.She has slanted eyes.
- Me gustan tus ojos rasgados.I like your slanted eyes.
- Ese modelo tiene los ojos rasgados y expresivos.That model has expressive, slanted eyes.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are looking at a baby photo.
- JavierMira, el bebé tiene los ojos rasgados.Look, the baby has slanted eyes.
- SofíaSí, se parece mucho a su abuelo.Yes, he looks a lot like his grandfather.
- JavierEs un rasgo muy bonito, Sofía.It is a very beautiful feature, Sofía.
- SofíaTienes razón, Javier, es adorable.You are right, Javier, he is adorable.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
