Which one should you use?
While linda means cute or pretty, using chica guapa would place more emphasis on her physical attractiveness or being "good-looking". Additionally, if the person being described is a child rather than a young woman, niña linda is a more accurate term to use.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
chica linda is an informal way to express this idea. Similarly, chica guapa is a common and slightly more direct way to describe an attractive girl in many Spanish-speaking regions.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you may use niña preciosa to express the idea of a cute girl. In Mexico, an informal way to say cute girl is chica bonita.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase follows the noun-adjective order common in Spanish, where the adjective linda follows the noun chica.
How do you pronounce it?
/tʃika linda/
Did you know?
- If you use the word mona in Spain to describe a girl, you are calling her cute in a way that specifically suggests she is 'adorable' or 'sweet'.
- The word guapa is often used in Spain as a friendly, non-romantic way to address a woman in a shop or cafe, similar to saying 'dear' or 'love'.
- In many Latin American countries, the word linda can be used to describe someone's personality or soul, not just their physical looks. Calling someone a persona linda implies they are a kind and lovely human being.
Examples in context
- Eres una chica linda.You're a cute girl.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase chica linda.Tatoeba #3240611 by cueyayotl, translation #2548449 by CK
- ¡Qué niña bonita! Tu vestido resalta tu ternura.What a cute girl! Your dress highlights your sweetness.
- Hola, chica linda. ¿Sabías que alegras mi día?Hi, cute girl. Did you know you brighten up my day?
- Vi a una chica linda en el parque.I saw a cute girl in the park.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are walking through a shopping mall.
- Sofía¡Mira, Mateo! Esa es una chica linda.Look, Mateo! That is a cute girl.
- MateoEs verdad, ella es muy guapa.It's true, she is very pretty.
- SofíaParece una chica linda y amable.She looks like a cute and kind girl.
- MateoSí, Sofía, tienes buen ojo.Yes, Sofía, you have a good eye.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
