hola guapo
/ola ɡwapo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "hi cute" can be translated into Spanish as hola guapo.
This phrase is an informal greeting used to address someone whom the speaker finds physically attractive.
What does it mean word for word?
The word guapo literally translates to "handsome" or "good-looking" rather than the English sense of "cute" (which is often expressed by words like lindo or mono).
Which one should you use?
The form hola guapo is the masculine version used for men, whereas hola guapa is used for women.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This phrase is informal and carries a flirtatious undertone.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a woman, use the feminine form hola guapa. If you are addressing a group of people, use the plural form hola guapos.
Did you know?
- While guapo means 'handsome' in Spain and most of Latin America, in some Caribbean contexts it can still mean 'aggressive' or 'tough'.
- The word guapo originally meant 'rascal' or 'ruffian' before it evolved to describe someone who is physically attractive.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, guapa can be used as a friendly or affectionate term between women or from a woman to a child, without any flirtatious intent.
Examples in context
- ¡Hola, guapo/guapa!Hi, handsome/beautiful
- Pasa, bombón.Come in, sweetie/eye candy
- ¡Qué onda, lindo/linda!What's up, cute
Example conversation
Mateo greets Elena's brother at a party.
- MateoHola guapo, ¿qué tal todo?Hi cute, how is everything?
- ElenaTodo bien, gracias por preguntar.Everything is good, thanks for asking.
- MateoTe ves muy bien hoy.You look great today.
- ElenaMuchas gracias, Mateo.Thank you very much, Mateo.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries guapo, hola, CC BY-SA 4.0.
