Which one should you use?
The form él es agradable describes a person's personality. In contrast, saying está agradable would imply that he is being pleasant in a specific, temporary moment or context.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Depending on the region, there are several colloquial or slang alternatives to say someone is "nice" or "cool": * Él es buena onda is an idiomatic slang used primarily in Latin America, particularly in Mexico. * Él es chévere is a colloquial phrase used in various Latin American countries including Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador. * Él es bacán is an informal slang term used in Peru or Chile.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the verb es (from the verb ser) because being nice is considered a characteristic of his personality rather than a temporary state.
How do you pronounce it?
/el es aɡɾadable/
When do people say it?
While él es agradable is a valid way to describe someone, in many Spanish-speaking contexts, it is more common to use es simpático to say someone has a pleasant or friendly personality. Another common alternative to say "he is a nice guy" is es un tipo agradable.
Did you know?
- While simpático is the most common way to say someone is 'nice', it is a false friend for English speakers. It does not mean the person is 'sympathetic' in the sense of feeling pity, but rather that they are likable and charming.
- The slang term buena onda translates literally to 'good wave', used to describe someone with a nice vibe or personality.
- The word él actually descends from the Latin word ille, which originally meant 'that one' rather than 'he'.
Examples in context
- Él es amable y siempre está dispuesto a ayudarHe is nice and always willing to help
- Él es majo, siempre tiene una sonrisaHe is nice, he always has a smile
- Él es agradable con todo el mundo.He is nice to everyone.
- Me gusta su trato, él es agradable.I like how he treats people, he is nice.
- Conozco a tu hermano y él es agradable.I know your brother and he is nice.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are talking about a new colleague.
- Daniel¿Conoces al nuevo compañero?Do you know the new colleague?
- SofíaSí, él es agradable.Yes, he is nice.
- Daniel¿Te ayudó con el trabajo?Did he help you with the work?
- SofíaSí, fue muy atento.Yes, he was very attentive.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries agradable, es, él, CC BY-SA 4.0.
