Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cumplido | /kumˈplido/ | masculine |
| halago | /aˈlaɡo/ | masculine |
| chicoleo | /t͡ʃikoleo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
A compliment is an expression of praise, congratulation or respect. To express a compliment, Spanish speakers typically use the verb phrase hacer un cumplido (to make a compliment) rather than a single verb, though cumplimentar is also used to mean to pay a compliment or express a favorable opinion.
Which one should you use?
cumplido is the standard, neutral term for a compliment or a polite remark. halago often carries a connotation of flattery or excessive praise, sometimes implying the praise is insincere. chicoleo is another masculine form for a compliment.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, such as Mexico or Argentina, the term piropo is more commonly used to describe compliments in informal contexts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
All provided forms for compliment, cumplido, halago and chicoleo, are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/kumˈplido/
Did you know?
- In Mexico, the slang term chicoleo relates to the word chicote, a whip, implying a compliment that 'hits' or makes an impact.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a piropo is a spontaneous compliment shouted by a stranger to a passerby on the street.
- In some formal contexts, cumplimentar does not mean to praise, but rather to fill out a form or complete a document.
Examples in context
- Él me hizo un cumplido.He paid me a compliment.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use the verb phrase with cumplido.Tatoeba #1277900 by marcelostockle, translation #297481 by CM
- Lo dije como un cumplido.I meant it as a compliment.This sentence shows how to use cumplido to describe the intent behind a remark.Tatoeba #6806595 by arh, translation #6806557 by CK
- ¿Debo tomarlo como un cumplido?Should I take it as a compliment?This sentence demonstrates how to use cumplido when questioning the nature of a remark.Tatoeba #8402612 by emigonza, translation #8416153 by cromwellt
- Eres increíblemente talentoso/aYou are incredibly talented.
- Tu amabilidad es excepcionalYour kindness is exceptional.
- Me encanta tu estilo únicoI love your unique style.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are talking after a presentation.
- DanielMaría, gracias por el cumplido sobre mi charla.María, thank you for the compliment about my talk.
- MaríaFue un cumplido sincero, Daniel.It was a sincere compliment, Daniel.
- DanielMe ayuda mucho a tener más confianza.It helps me a lot to have more confidence.
- MaríaTe lo mereces por tu buen trabajo.You deserve it for your good work.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “compliment” translations and entries cumplido, halago, chicoleo, 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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
