ricura
/rikuɾa/from spelling rules
The Spanish word for cutie is ricura.
Ricura is a noun used to refer to a person or an animal that is cute, functioning much like the English word 'cutie'.
Meaning: cute person or animal (noun)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
You can use the exclamation ¡Qué ricura! as an informal way to react to seeing something or someone very cute.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a noun, ricura is feminine. When referring to a single cutie, it is typically used with the feminine indefinite article una, as in una ricura.
How do you pronounce it?
/rikuɾa/
Did you know?
- While ricura describes a 'cutie', its root word rico primarily means 'rich' in terms of money. In Spanish, the same word is used to describe both a wealthy person and delicious food.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, calling a person rico or rica is a common way to say they are 'hot' or 'sexy', which is a much stronger compliment than 'cute'.
- In some Latin American countries, ricura is used as a slang term of endearment similar to 'honey' or 'sweetheart' when addressing a partner.
Examples in context
- Eres precioso, ¿lo sabías?You're adorable, did you know that?
- Ese gatito es una ricura.That little kitten is a cutie.
- Tu bebé es una verdadera ricura.Your baby is a real cutie.
- ¡Qué ricura de cachorro!What a cutie that puppy is!
Example conversation
María and Mateo are looking at a photo of a puppy.
- MaríaMira esta foto, Mateo.Look at this photo, Mateo.
- Mateo¡Qué ricura de perrito!What a cutie that puppy is!
- MaríaEs una ricura total.He is a total cutie.
- MateoMe encanta su carita.I love his little face.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
