él es guapo
/el es ɡwapo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "he is handsome" is translated into Spanish as él es guapo.
This phrase is used to describe a man who is physically attractive.
Which one should you use?
The phrase él es guapo describes a permanent or inherent physical trait. In contrast, él está guapo would mean he looks handsome right now (e.g., because of his clothes).
How does it change in a sentence?
In natural Spanish conversation, the pronoun él is often omitted, so you can simply say es guapo to mean "he is handsome".
How do you pronounce it?
/el es ɡwapo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the verb estar instead of ser when describing a person's general physical appearance.
Did you know?
- The word guapo originally comes from the Latin word vappa, which meant 'flat wine' or 'worthless person'.
- While guapo is used for beauty, the word guapa is often used in Spain as a friendly, informal way to address a woman, regardless of her looks.
- In some Caribbean countries, calling a man guapo can sometimes imply he is bold, aggressive, or a tough guy rather than just physically attractive.
Examples in context
- Él es guapo.He is handsome.This sentence is a simple way to state that he is handsome.Tatoeba #6633365 by Joffrey, translation #3125920 by CM
- Ella dijo: "Él es guapo."She said, "He is handsome."This sentence shows how to use the phrase within a reported speech context.Tatoeba #463467 by Milagros, translation #463422 by CM
- Él es guapo e inteligente.He is handsome and clever.This sentence demonstrates how to combine the phrase with another adjective.Tatoeba #967034 by hundo, translation #292459 by CK
- Juan tiene un estilo elegante. Él es guapo.Juan has a stylish look. He is handsome.
- ¡Mira a David! ¡Está bueno!Look at David! He looks good/hot!
- Mi amigo es un bombón. Es guapo de verdad.My friend is a hunk. He is really handsome.
Example conversation
María and Javier are talking about a new actor in a movie.
- MaríaEse actor es muy famoso.That actor is very famous.
- JavierSí, y también es muy talentoso.Yes, and he is also very talented.
- MaríaAdemás, él es guapo.Besides, he is handsome.
- JavierTienes razón, María.You are right, María.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries es, guapo, él, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
