varonil
/baɾoˈnil/
The English word "manly" is translated into Spanish as varonil.
varonil is an adjective used to describe someone or something possessing the qualities traditionally associated with being a man. While masculino refers to the biological or grammatical category of being male, varonil refers more specifically to qualities traditionally associated with manliness or virility.
Meaning: having the characteristics of a man (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from varón, which means male or man.
Which one should you use?
If you want to describe physical vigor, vitality or masculine strength, the term viril is more appropriate. Use masculino when referring to the biological sex or grammatical gender.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective varonil is invariable in gender, meaning the form remains the same regardless of whether the subject is masculine or feminine (though describing a woman is rare and usually metaphorical). The plural form of varonil is varoniles.
How do you pronounce it?
/baɾoˈnil/
Did you know?
- While varonil describes a personality or appearance, the word varón is the specific term used on birth certificates to indicate the baby is a boy.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, viril carries a stronger connotation of sexual potency than the English 'virile' does today.
- While varonil focuses on the qualities of a man, it is not used for the biological sex of animals. If you need to specify a male animal, you must use a different term such as macho, as varón is reserved for humans.
Examples in context
- No es muy varonil hablar mal de los otros detrás de sus espaldas.It is not manly to speak ill of others behind their backs.This sentence shows how certain behaviors are not considered varonil.Tatoeba #1210123 by marcelostockle, translation #274713 by CM
- Las mujeres son sistemáticamente degradadas al recibir las triviales atenciones que los hombres piensan que es varonil atribuir a su sexo, cuando de hecho los hombres ofensivamente sostienen su propia superioridad.Women are systematically degraded by receiving the trivial attentions which men think it manly to pay to the sex, when, in fact, men are insultingly supporting their own superiority.This sentence illustrates a critique of what some men consider varonil behavior toward women.Tatoeba #1210125 by marcelostockle, translation #413864 by Scott
- Ese hombre es muy varonil. Siempre se destaca por su valentía.That man is very manly. He always stands out for his courage.
- Su forma de caminar es muy masculina y elegante.His way of walking is very masculine and elegant.
- Ese tipo se cree muy macho, pero en realidad es muy sensible.That guy thinks he's really manly, but he's actually very sensitive.
- Juan tiene una apariencia muy viril, siempre cuida su imagen personal.Juan has a very virile appearance, he always takes care of his personal image.
- Él tiene un aspecto muy varonil con esa barba.He has a very manly look with that beard.
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are discussing Daniel's new haircut and style.
- Daniel¿Te gusta mi nuevo corte de pelo, Sofía?Do you like my new haircut, Sofía?
- SofíaSí, te ves mucho más varonil así.Yes, you look much more manly like that.
- DanielMe alegra que te parezca bien.I'm glad you think it looks good.
- SofíaRealmente te sienta muy bien.It really suits you well.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “manly” translations and entries varonil, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
