Me pareces lindo
/me paɾeθes lindo/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'I think you're cute' is expressed in Spanish as Me pareces lindo.
This phrase is used to tell someone that you find them physically or personally attractive.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'You seem cute to me', where me pareces means 'you appear to me'.
Which one should you use?
While Me pareces lindo implies a sweet or 'cute' type of attractiveness, Me pareces guapo is a stronger way to express physical attraction, specifically meaning 'I think you're handsome'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, using lindo to mean 'cute' or 'attractive' is very common. In Spain, you might use the word mono for 'cute' or use the phrase Eres guapísimo/a to say 'You are extremely attractive'.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are speaking to a woman, you must change the adjective to the feminine form Me pareces linda.
How do you pronounce it?
/me paɾeθes lindo/
Did you know?
- The word lindo likely evolved from the Latin word for 'legitimate' or 'lawful'. It shifted from describing something 'authentic' or 'pure' to describing someone as 'cute' or 'lovely'.
- While you can use the word mono to mean 'cute' in Spain, you are literally using the same word that translates to 'monkey' in English.
- In many parts of Latin America, calling someone lindo is a standard way to express attraction, whereas in Spain, the same word can sound patronisingly sweet, as if you were speaking to a small child.
Examples in context
- Me pareces lindo de verdad.I really think you're cute.
- Siempre me pareces lindo cuando sonríes.I always think you're cute when you smile.
- No te lo digo en broma, me pareces lindo.I'm not joking, I think you're cute.
Example conversation
Javier and María are talking at a party.
- JavierMaría, me pareces lindo.María, I think you're cute.
- María¡Gracias! Tú también me gustas.Thanks! I like you too.
- Javier¿Quieres bailar conmigo?Do you want to dance with me?
- MaríaSí, me encantaría.Yes, I would love to.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lindo, me, CC BY-SA 4.0.
