Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| caballero | /kabaˈʝeɾo/ | masculine |
| gentilhombre | /xentiˈlombɾe/ | masculine |
| gentleman | /ˈʝentelman/ | masculine |
| galán | /ɡaˈlan/ | masculine |
Spanish uses different terms for a gentleman depending on whether you are focusing on his manners, his physical charm or his social status. While caballero is the standard term for a well-mannered man, you might also use hombre educado to describe a refined, well-mannered gentleman.
What does it mean word for word?
The word caballero is etymologically related to caballo (horse), as it originally referred to a mounted knight or horseman.
Which one should you use?
caballero is the standard, polite way to refer to a gentleman in most contexts. In contrast, galán refers more to a man's physical attractiveness or his status as a charmer. The term gentilhombre is an archaic or literary term that is rarely used in modern daily conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form caballeros is the standard way to address a group of men formally, such as in the phrase 'Ladies and Gentlemen' (Damas y caballeros).
How do you pronounce it?
/kabaˈʝeɾo/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word caballero is a cognate of the English word 'cavalier'.
- The archaic term gentilhombre was once a formal court rank in Spain, specifically referring to a 'gentleman of the bedchamber' who served the king.
- The term galán is commonly used in the entertainment industry to describe the leading man or heartthrob of a telenovela.
Examples in context
- Él solía ser un caballero.He used to be a gentleman.This sentence shows how to describe someone's past character using caballero.Tatoeba #454979 by Shishir, translation #300560 by CK
- Yo conozco a este caballero.I know the gentleman.This sentence is useful for identifying a specific caballero.Tatoeba #929924 by Shishir, translation #254518 by CK
- Él es un caballero de verdad.He is a true gentleman.This sentence emphasizes that someone is a true caballero.Tatoeba #1705529 by teskmon, translation #1595353 by CM
- Gracias, caballero distinguidoThank you, distinguished gentleman
- Es un hombre educado y atentoHe is a polite and courteous gentleman
- Ese hombre es un caballeroThat man is a gentleman
- Buenos días, caballero. ¿En qué puedo ayudarle hoy?Good morning, sir. How can I assist you today?
- Gracias por abrirme la puerta, caballero.Thank you for opening the door for me, gentleman.
- Ese caballero distinguido tiene mucho estiloThat distinguished gentleman has a lot of style
- ¿Podrías decirme la hora, por favor, señor?Could you tell me the time, please, sir?
- 52 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a social event, Sofía compliments Alejandro on his manners.
- SofíaEres un caballero, Alejandro.You are a gentleman, Alejandro.
- AlejandroMuchas gracias, Sofía.Thank you very much, Sofía.
- SofíaTu trato siempre es muy atento.Your behavior is always very attentive.
- AlejandroEs un placer acompañarte.It is a pleasure to accompany you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gentleman” translations and entries caballero, gentilhombre, gentleman, galán, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caballero, galán, gentilhombre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
