chico guapo
/t͡ʃiko ɡwapo/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "handsome guy" is chico guapo.
The phrase is used to describe a man or boy who is physically attractive. While guapo refers to physical attractiveness, bonito or bello are more often used to describe objects or features rather than a person's overall attractiveness in a casual context.
Which one should you use?
You might use the colloquialism guapo a secas to describe someone as being "just handsome". In Spain, the phrase tío bueno is used for an attractive man.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
You can make the expression more informal by using tipo guapo, which is similar to saying "handsome guy" or "handsome dude" in English. In Latin America, the term hombre guapetón is used to mean a good-looking man.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the term tío bueno is used to refer to an attractive man.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express this in the plural, such as "handsome guys", the phrase changes to chicos guapos.
How do you pronounce it?
/tʃiko ɡwapo/
Did you know?
- The word guapo originally described a 'rascal' or a 'ruffian' before it ever meant physically attractive.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, guapo can be used as a friendly or flirtatious greeting to someone, regardless of whether you are explicitly commenting on their looks.
- In Spain, calling a man a tío bueno literally translates to 'good uncle' but is actually used to describe someone as hot or attractive.
Examples in context
- Tom es un chico guapo.Tom is a handsome guy.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use chico guapo in a basic sentence.Tatoeba #2466879 by arnxy20, translation #2462687 by CK
- ¡Qué hombre guapo!What a handsome man!
- Eres un caballero muy atractivoYou are a very attractive gentleman
- Mi amigo es un chico guapoMy friend is a handsome guy
- Ese chico es guapo a secasThat guy is just handsome
- ¡Mira a ese pavo buenorro!Look at that gorgeous guy!
- Eres un hombre guapetónYou are a good-looking man
- ¡Vaya tío bueno!Wow, what a good-looking guy!
- Ese chico guapo es de mi clase.That handsome guy is in my class.
- Tu hermano es un chico guapo.Your brother is a handsome guy.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are looking at a photo of a singer.
- Lucía¡Mira qué chico guapo es ese cantante!Look what a handsome guy that singer is!
- JavierSí, es un chico guapo, pero no canta bien.Yes, he is a handsome guy, but he doesn't sing well.
- LucíaTienes razón, Javier.You are right, Javier.
- JavierPero al menos es muy atractivo.But at least he is very attractive.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chico, guapo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
