What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "good days, handsome" because días is a masculine plural noun.
Which one should you use?
For a more slangy or highly flirtatious approach, you can say buenos días, bombón, which carries the meaning of "good morning sweetie/hottie".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Using guapo as a greeting is informal and implies a level of flirtatiousness or familiarity. For a more formal way to say "good morning, handsome gentleman," you can use Buenos días, apuesto caballero.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, you may hear ¡Buen día, papacito!, which translates to "Good day, handsome!" In this region, the term papacito is used to refer to an attractive person.
How does it change in a sentence?
To address a woman instead of a man, change the masculine adjective guapo to the feminine guapa to say buenos días, guapa.
Did you know?
- The etymology of guapo might be linked to the Latin word vappa, which referred to 'flat wine' or a 'worthless person'.
- In certain Spanish-speaking cultures, calling a stranger guapo or guapa can be a friendly, non-romantic social lubricant used by shopkeepers or vendors.
- While guapo is common for beauty, apuesto specifically implies a more poised, gallant, or 'dashing' kind of handsomeness.
Examples in context
- ¡Hola! Buenos días, guapo.Hello! Good morning, handsome.
- ¿Cómo estás? Buenos días, guapo.How are you? Good morning, handsome.
Example conversation
Elena greets Javier in the kitchen.
- ElenaBuenos días, guapo.Good morning, handsome.
- JavierBuenos días, Elena.Good morning, Elena.
- Elena¿Quieres café?Do you want some coffee?
- JavierSí, por favor.Yes, please.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries guapo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
