bueno
/ˈbweno/
The English word "good" is translated into Spanish as bueno.
Bueno is the most basic term for "good" in Spanish and is used as an adjective to describe qualities that are pleasant or enjoyable.
Meaning: pleasant, enjoyable (adj)
Which one should you use?
While bueno is used as an adjective to describe qualities, do not confuse it with bien, which is an adverb used to describe how an action is performed.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Informally, you can use the term genial to say "great" or "awesome."
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the adjective changes depending on the noun it describes: use buena for feminine singular nouns, buenos for masculine plural nouns and buenas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of bueno is /ˈbweno/.
Did you know?
- In Mexico and several other Latin American countries, bueno is the standard way to answer the phone, whereas people in Spain typically say ¿sí? or diga.
- If you describe a meal as está bueno, you are praising its taste, but if you say it about a person, you are calling them 'hot' or 'sexy'.
- A specific falling intonation on bueno can transform it from a positive agreement into a dismissive 'fine' or 'whatever'.
Examples in context
- Fue un rey bueno.He was a good king.This sentence is useful for describing a person using bueno.Tatoeba #1356464 by marcelostockle, translation #1356323 by CK
- No era muy bueno.It wasn't very good.This sentence is useful for describing a quality using bueno.Tatoeba #2096333 by Shishir, translation #1897744 by CK
- Esto no es bueno.This is no good.Tatoeba #4329300 by pchamorro, translation #3363714 by CK
- ¡Excelente trabajo!Excellent work!
- 885 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are talking about a movie they just watched.
- Daniel¿Te gustó la película, Elena?Did you like the movie, Elena?
- ElenaSí, fue un libro bueno, pero el filme fue mejor.Yes, it was a good book, but the film was better.
- DanielYo pienso que el final fue muy bueno.I think the ending was very good.
- ElenaEstoy de acuerdo contigo, Daniel.I agree with you, Daniel.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bueno, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
