Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mono | /ˈmono/ | colloquial |
| monono | /monono/ (from spelling rules) |
The word mono is used to describe something as attractive or pleasing in a youthful, dainty, quaint or fun-spirited way.
Which one should you use?
In Spain, mono means 'cute', but in many Latin American countries, mono refers to a 'monkey'. While mono is the standard form for cute, you may also see the form monono.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term mono is a colloquial expression. In informal settings, you might also use phrases like Eres mona to describe a girl as cute in some Spanish-speaking countries or Eres linda to say "You are pretty" or "You are cute". Another informal option is Eres preciosa, which translates to "You are precious".
Is it said differently in some regions?
The use of 'mono' to mean 'cute' is characteristic of Peninsular Spanish (Spain) and you can say Eres monísima to mean "You are very cute". In Mexico, you might hear Eres chula to express cuteness. In Argentina, people often say Sos una ternura to convey cuteness.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective 'mono' must agree in gender with the noun it describes, using mona for feminine nouns. The adjective 'mono' must agree in number with the noun it describes, using monos for masculine plural nouns and monas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmono/
Did you know?
- The word mono shares an ancient root with the English word 'monkey'. Both can be traced back to the Arabic word maymūn, which refers to a baboon or mandrill.
- Because mono means 'monkey' in Latin America but 'cute' in Spain, calling someone mono in Mexico or Colombia might be interpreted as calling them a primate rather than a compliment.
- In Spain, the term mono is often used to describe not just people or animals, but also an object or a piece of clothing that is 'dainty' or 'pretty'.
Examples in context
- El gato es muy mono.The cat is very cute.This sentence shows how to describe a cat using mono.Tatoeba #1595264 by teskmon, translation #44566 by CK
- Los búhos son monos.Owls are cute.This sentence uses monos to describe multiple owls.Tatoeba #5391751 by albrusgher, translation #2038369 by Spamster
- Los koalas son monos.Koalas are cute.This sentence uses monos to describe multiple koalas.Tatoeba #3786306 by Seael, translation #2020509 by Spamster
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are looking at a photo of a puppy.
- Elena¡Qué mono es ese cachorro!That puppy is so cute!
- MateoSí, es muy mono.Yes, he is very cute.
- ElenaMe encanta su nariz.I love his nose.
- MateoEs un perrito muy mono.He is a very cute little dog.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cute” translations and entries mono, 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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mono, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
