chulo
/ˈt͡ʃulo/
In Spanish, chulo can mean cool or awesome.
When used informally, chulo often translates to 'cool' or 'awesome.' However, depending on the context and region, it can also be used to describe a person who is cocky, arrogant or acting tough.
Which one should you use?
While chulo can mean cool or awesome, it can also carry the negative connotation of being cocky or arrogant. If you want to express that something is 'cool' or 'neat' specifically in a colloquial way in Spain, you might use guay. For more formal or intense positive meanings, you could use maravilloso (marvelous or wonderful) or sobresaliente (outstanding or prominent).
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term guay is a colloquial term used specifically in Spain to mean 'cool' or 'neat'.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, chulo must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use chula for feminine singular nouns, chulos for masculine or mixed-gender plural nouns and chulas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtʃulo/
Did you know?
- The word chulo can also refer to a pimp in various Spanish-speaking regions, creating a stark contrast with its use as a positive adjective.
- The word's origins are linked to the Italian word ciullo, which was a diminutive term for a 'child' or 'youngster'.
- While it means 'cool' in Spain, calling a person chulo in certain Caribbean regions can be a serious insult implying they are insolent.
Examples in context
- Ese coche es muy chulo.That car is very cool.
- ¡Qué vestido más chulo tienes!What a cool dress you have!
- El dibujo de la niña es muy chulo.The girl's drawing is very cute.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are looking at a new gadget in a store.
- Mateo¿Te gusta este reloj nuevo?Do you like this new watch?
- MaríaSí, es un diseño muy chulo.Yes, it is a very cool design.
- MateoCreo que te quedaría bien.I think it would look good on you.
- MaríaGracias, Mateo, me encanta.Thanks, Mateo, I love it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry chulo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chulo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
