Which one should you use?
While hombre sexy is a direct way to describe an attractive man, other terms change the tone: Caballero atractivo is used for an attractive gentleman, Bombón uses the metaphor of a chocolate bonbon and Papacito functions as slang similar to 'hot daddy'. In Spain, the colloquial term Buenorro is used to mean a handsome man.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal contexts, use Caballero atractivo to describe a good-looking man. In informal settings, you might use Bombón and in even more casual or slang-heavy environments, Papacito or un hombre bueno are common.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term Guapo is a common way to describe a handsome man. In many Latin American countries, the slang un hombre bueno is frequently used to say a man is hot.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase hombre sexy is masculine and follows the standard Spanish noun-adjective order. To say 'a hot man', you add the indefinite masculine article to get un hombre sexy.
How do you pronounce it?
/ombɾe seɡsi/
Did you know?
- The word hombre shares an ancient root with the word for 'earth', as it originally meant an 'earthling' or a being belonging to the earth.
- Despite using the word sexy in hombre sexy, the term is an English loanword that has been fully integrated into Spanish grammar and usage.
- While papacito is often used as a compliment for a 'hot man', the word papá is used in some Latin American cultures as a term of endearment for friends or partners regardless of age.
Examples in context
- Vi a un hombre atractivo en el evento de gala anocheI saw an attractive man at the gala event last night
- ¡Mira a ese bombón! Definitivamente es el más guapo de la fiestaLook at that hunk! He's definitely the most handsome guy at the party
- Ese chico es un papacito, me encantaría salir con élThat guy is a hottie, I would love to go out with him
- No puedo evitar mirar al buenorro que siempre está en el café de la esquinaI can't help but stare at the handsome man who is always at the corner café
- Ese actor es un hombre sexy.That actor is a hot man.
- Vi a un hombre sexy en el gimnasio.I saw a hot man at the gym.
- No es un hombre sexy, es solo amable.He is not a hot man, he is just kind.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are watching a movie at home.
- Mateo¿Viste al protagonista? Es un hombre sexy.Did you see the protagonist? He is a hot man.
- ElenaSí, Mateo, es muy guapo.Yes, Mateo, he is very handsome.
- MateoA ti te gusta mucho.You like him a lot.
- ElenaEs imposible no fijarse en él.It is impossible not to notice him.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hombre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
