¡vaya, estás buena!
The English phrase "damn, you fine!" can be translated into Spanish as ¡vaya, estás buena!
This phrase is an informal exclamation used to tell someone that they are very physically attractive. It carries a strong sexual connotation.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb estás is the second-person singular form of estar, which is used here to describe a temporary state or quality, such as being physically attractive.
Which one should you use?
The phrase changes based on the gender of the person being addressed. Use ¡vaya, estás buena! when speaking to a woman and ¡vaya, estás bueno! when speaking to a man. You can also use the superlative form ¡Estás buenísimo/a! to say "You look really fine/good".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase ¡vaya, estás buena! is highly informal.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you might hear the expression ¡Estás que te quemas! to mean "You're burning hot".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the adjective buena to address a woman and bueno to address a man.
Did you know?
- Calling someone bueno or buena in this context is closely related to the Spanish concept of 'flavor', as the same words are used to describe delicious food.
- The word vaya originates from the verb ir, which means 'to go'. While it functions here as an exclamation similar to 'wow', it is grammatically a form of the verb used to express a command or a wish.
- In certain Latin American countries, using estás bueno/a can feel much more aggressive or vulgar than it does in Spain. What is a common colloquialism in one place can be seen as a crude remark in another.
Example conversation
Mateo sees Elena dressed up for a party.
- ElenaHola, Mateo. ¿Te gusta mi vestido?Hi, Mateo. Do you like my dress?
- Mateo¡Vaya, estás buena! Te ves increíble.Damn, you fine! You look incredible.
- ElenaGracias, tú también te ves muy bien.Thanks, you look very good too.
- MateoGracias, Elena.Thank you, Elena.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vaya, CC BY-SA 4.0.
