mono
/ˈmono/colloquial
In Spanish, mono is used to say cute. Wiktionary also lists monono.
Meaning: attractive or pleasing in a youthful, dainty, quaint or fun-spirited way (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mono | /ˈmono/ | colloquial |
| monono | /monono/ (from spelling rules) |
The word mono describes someone or something that is attractive or pleasing in a youthful, dainty, quaint or fun-spirited way.
Which one should you use?
In Spain, mono is a common way to say cute, but in many Latin American countries, mono primarily means monkey. In some regions, particularly in Spain, the words chulo or chula are also used informally to express cuteness.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form mono is considered colloquial.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The use of mono to mean cute is characteristic of Spanish from Spain.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, mono must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. Use mona for feminine singular nouns, monas for feminine plural nouns and monos for masculine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmono/
Did you know?
- If you call a person chulo in Spain, you might be calling them 'cute', but in other contexts it can also mean 'cocky' or 'arrogant'.
- The word mono comes from the Arabic word maymūn, which referred to a baboon or mandrill.
- In some Spanish dialects, monono is used as an intensified or more playful version of mono to describe something exceptionally cute.
Examples in context
- El gato es muy mono.The cat is very cute.This sentence shows how to use mono to describe a cat.Tatoeba #1595264 by teskmon, translation #44566 by CK
- Los búhos son monos.Owls are cute.This sentence demonstrates the plural form monos to describe owls.Tatoeba #5391751 by albrusgher, translation #2038369 by Spamster
- Los koalas son monos.Koalas are cute.This sentence demonstrates the plural form monos to describe koalas.Tatoeba #3786306 by Seael, translation #2020509 by Spamster
- Ella es una niña muy lindaShe is a very cute girl.
- ¡Qué lindo perrito tienes!What a cute puppy you have!
- El bebé tiene ojos bonitosThe baby has beautiful eyes.
- ¡Qué vestido tan precioso llevas puesto!What a cute dress you are wearing!
- ¡Qué niño más mono!What a cute kid!
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Daniel are looking at a photo of a puppy.
- MaríaMira este perro, ¡es supermono!Look at this dog, it's super cute!
- DanielTienes razón, es muy mono.You're right, it's very cute.
- MaríaQuiero uno así de mono en casa.I want a cute one like that at home.
- DanielYo también, Daniel quiere un cachorro.Me too, Daniel wants a puppy.
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.
