buen tipo
/bwen tipo/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "good guy" is buen tipo.
buen tipo is an informal way to refer to someone as a pleasant person or a "good guy".
Meaning: pleasant person (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of buen (good) and tipo (guy/type/fellow).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
buen tipo is an informal and colloquial way to describe someone's character rather than a formal expression.
How does it change in a sentence?
When the adjective bueno is used before a masculine noun, it shortens to buen. While buen tipo is the masculine form, you can use the feminine form buena tipa as slang to refer to a pleasant woman.
When do people say it?
In Latin American countries, you may also encounter the informal phrase buena onda to describe someone who is cool, friendly or considerate.
Did you know?
- The word tipo shares an ancient root with the Greek word τύπτω, which meant 'to poke' or 'to punch'.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, calling someone a tipo without the adjective buen can sound suspicious or slightly derogatory, implying they are a 'shady character'.
- While buen tipo describes character, the Latin American expression buena onda literally means 'good wave'.
Examples in context
- Tom era un buen tipo.Tom was a good guy.This sentence shows how to use buen tipo to describe someone in the past.Tatoeba #2909269 by hayastan, translation #2647867 by CK
- Él parece ser un buen tipo.He seems to be a good guy.This sentence shows how to use buen tipo to describe how someone appears.Tatoeba #2857615 by Besatnias, translation #2805734 by CK
- Erkin definitivamente es un buen tipo, pero igual tiene un carácter algo débil.Erkin's definitely a good guy, but just has a somewhat weak character.This sentence shows how to use buen tipo when discussing someone's character.Tatoeba #3883659 by cueyayotl, translation #2535547 by FeuDRenais2
- Pedro es un buen hombrePedro is a good guy
- Carlos es una persona de bienCarlos is a good guy
- Juan es buena ondaJuan is a good guy
- Eduardo es un buen tipoEduardo is a good guy
- Pepe es un chico buenoPepe is a good guy
- Enrique es considerado un buen hombre por su generosidad y compasión.Enrique is considered a good guy because of his generosity and compassion.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Mateo are talking about a new coworker.
- María¿Qué te parece el nuevo compañero?What do you think of the new coworker?
- MateoMe cae bien, es un buen tipo.I like him, he is a good guy.
- MaríaSí, se ve que es muy amable.Yes, he seems very kind.
- MateoDefinitivamente, Mateo es un buen tipo.Definitely, Mateo is a good guy.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries buen, tipo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
