chico lindo
/t͡ʃiko lindo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "cute boy" is translated into Spanish as chico lindo.
This phrase is used to describe a boy or young man who is physically attractive.
Which one should you use?
While chico lindo can mean "cute," using chico guapo emphasizes physical handsomeness or good looks.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term Bombón is an informal way to refer to a good-looking boy, literally meaning "chocolate bonbon."
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you can use the informal expressions chavo guapo, niño lindo or muchacho bonito. In Argentina, an informal way to refer to a cute boy is pibe lindo. In Spain, the informal expressions chico mono and chico guapetón are used. In Spain, the adjective mono is frequently used colloquially to mean "cute" when describing people or things.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, both the noun and the adjective must take the plural ending: chicos lindos.
How do you pronounce it?
/tʃiko lindo/
Did you know?
- The word chico has two competing histories. It may be an expressive term related to the Latin 'ciccum' meaning 'trifle', or it could be a loanword from the Yucatec Maya word chiʼik.
- Using the suffix -tón in guapetón creates an exaggerated version of 'handsome' that can be used playfully or ironically.
Examples in context
- ¡Mira a ese chico lindo! Tiene una sonrisa encantadora.Look at that cute boy! He has a charming smile.
- Hoy conocí a un joven atractivo en la fiesta de María.Today I met an attractive young man at Maria's party.
- Ese chico lindo es de mi clase.That cute boy is in my class.
- Tu hermano es un chico lindo.Your brother is a cute boy.
- Vi a un chico lindo en el parque.I saw a cute boy in the park.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are walking in a park.
- DanielMira a ese chico lindo, Elena.Look at that cute boy, Elena.
- ElenaSí, es muy guapo.Yes, he is very handsome.
- DanielCreo que es nuevo en el barrio.I think he is new in the neighborhood.
- ElenaDeberías ir a saludarlo.You should go say hello to him.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chico, lindo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
