guapo
/ˈɡwapo/
The English phrase 'handsome' is translated into Spanish as guapo. Wiktionary also lists apuesto and de buen parecer.
Meaning: of man: attractive (adj)
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 man.
Which one should you use?
The common and most direct way to say handsome is guapo. For a more formal or literary tone, you can use apuesto. If you wish to use a highly formal or old-fashioned expression to describe someone with a pleasant appearance, use de buen parecer.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Apuesto and de buen parecer are more formal or literary. In colloquial speech, the term guaperas is used pejoratively to describe a man who is seen as a vain or superficial 'pretty boy'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the term buenmozo is used specifically to describe a handsome man.
How does it change in a sentence?
To describe a woman as attractive or beautiful, use the feminine form guapa instead of guapo.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡwapo/
Did you know?
- The term guapo may have evolved from the Latin word vappa, which referred to 'flat wine' or a 'worthless person'.
- In certain contexts, guapo can be used ironically to describe someone who is acting tough or brave, reflecting its history as a word for a 'ruffian'.
Examples in context
- Él es muy guapo.He is very handsome.This sentence demonstrates how to use guapo to say someone is very handsome.Tatoeba #449946 by Shishir, translation #400911 by CK
- ¿Soy apuesto o no?Am I handsome or not?This sentence shows 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 illustrates how to use guapo to describe a handsome man.Tatoeba #1251823 by Shishir, translation #327948 by CK
- Tu hermano es lindo.Your brother is handsome.
- 75 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena is talking to Mateo about a new colleague.
- MateoMira al nuevo chico, es muy guapo.Look at the new guy, he is very handsome.
- ElenaTienes razón, Elena. Es muy atractivo.You are right, Elena. He is very attractive.
- Mateo¿Crees que es amable también?Do you think he is kind too?
- ElenaNo lo sé, pero es guapo.I don't know, but he is handsome.
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.
