Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| guapo | /ˈɡwapo/ | |
| apuesto | /aˈpwesto/ | |
| de buen parecer | /de bwen paɾeθeɾ/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /de bwen paɾeseɾ/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
|
| guaperas (despective) | colloquial | |
| buenmozo | /bwemmoθo/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /bwemmoso/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
Argentina |
These terms are used to describe an attractive or good-looking man.
Which one should you use?
While guapo is the everyday way to say handsome, apuesto is a more formal or literary option. For a more sophisticated and slightly old-fashioned way to say someone has a good appearance, you can use the phrase de buen parecer.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Apuesto is a formal way to say handsome, whereas guapo is used in everyday speech. In a colloquial and derogatory sense, the word guaperas can be used to mock someone, often implying they are a 'pretty boy' or acting more handsome than they actually are.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, you will hear the term buenmozo to describe a handsome man. Additionally, in Argentina, the word lindo is an informal way to say someone is handsome.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are describing a woman as beautiful or attractive, change the masculine guapo to the feminine guapa. To describe a group of handsome men, use the plural form guapos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡwapo/
Did you know?
- If you call someone guapo in a certain context, you are technically using a word that traces back to the Latin vappa, which meant 'flat wine' or 'worthless person'.
- Depending on the region, calling a man lindo can be a casual compliment in Argentina but may sound overly sweet or feminine in other countries.
Examples in context
- Él es muy guapo.He is very handsome.This sentence shows how to use guapo to describe a person's appearance.Tatoeba #449946 by Shishir, translation #400911 by CK
- ¿Soy apuesto o no?Am I handsome or not?This sentence demonstrates the use of apuesto in a question.Tatoeba #1292441 by marcelostockle, translation #255441 by CM
- Es un hombre guapo.He is a handsome man.This sentence uses guapo as an adjective for a man.Tatoeba #1251823 by Shishir, translation #327948 by CK
- Andrés es un hombre apuesto.Andrés is a handsome man.
- ¡Hola, amigo! ¿Sabes que eres muy lindo?Hi, friend! Do you know you're very handsome?
- 75 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are looking at a photo of a model.
- SofíaMira la foto, Alejandro.Look at the photo, Alejandro.
- Alejandro¡Vaya, es muy guapo!Wow, he is very handsome!
- SofíaSí, tiene mucha suerte.Yes, he is very lucky.
- AlejandroEs un hombre muy guapo.He is a very handsome man.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “handsome” translations and entries guapo, apuesto, buenmozo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries apuesto, buen, de, guapo, parecer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
