Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| gordito | /ɡoɾˈdito/ |
| metido en carnes | /metido en kaɾnes/ (from spelling rules) |
| entrado en carnes | /entɾado en kaɾnes/ (from spelling rules) |
| llenito | /ʝeˈnito/ |
These terms are used to describe a person who is somewhat fat. While some forms like gordito are common, others like llenito serve as polite euphemisms and panzón or panzona are used specifically for someone with a large or protruding stomach.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase entrado en carnes literally translates to "entered into meats."
Which one should you use?
Gordito is a diminutive of gordo (fat) and is often used affectionately, though it can be more direct than llenito. In contrast, llenito is a more euphemistic and polite way to describe someone as chubby or full-figured.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Depending on the context and desired tone, you may choose different words: rollizo/a conveys a cute or pleasant sense of being chubby. gordinflón/a is an informal, jovial and affectionate way to describe someone. gordote/a is a casual term. panzón/panzona is a colloquial term for someone with a big stomach. And llenito is a polite option.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form gordito changes its ending to gordita when referring to a female, and it changes to gorditos when referring to a group of males or a mixed group.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡoɾˈdito/
Did you know?
- Using gordito as a nickname for a romantic partner is so common that it can be used even if the person is actually quite thin.
- While an English speaker might find the phrase entrado en carnes slightly macabre, it is a standard, dignified way to describe a person with a fuller figure in Spanish.
- While gordito is affectionate, using it with a stranger in a formal professional setting could still be perceived as overly familiar or inappropriate.
Examples in context
- Mi sobrina es regordetaMy niece is chubby
- Tiene un bebé gordito muy adorableHe/she has a very cute chubby baby
- El bebé está muy rollizo y lindoThe baby is very chubby and cute
- Ese amigo tuyo es todo un gordinflónYour friend is such a chubby one!
- Mi mascota es gordote pero muy cariñosoMy pet is chubby but really affectionate
- Después de las vacaciones, estoy un poco panzonaAfter the holidays, I'm a bit chubby
- Mi gato está un poco gordito.My cat is a little chubby.
- Ese niño es muy gordito y simpático.That boy is very chubby and friendly.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at an old photo of a child.
- María¿Recuerdas a este niño gordito?Do you remember this chubby boy?
- Javier¡Sí! Era tu hermano menor.Yes! He was your younger brother.
- MaríaÉl siempre fue un poco gordito.He was always a little chubby.
- JavierAhora es un hombre muy alto.Now he is a very tall man.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chubby” translations and entries gordito, metido en carnes, entrado en carnes, llenito, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
