vale guapa
/bale ɡwapa/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "ok beautiful" is vale guapa.
This phrase is used as an informal way to agree with or acknowledge a woman you find attractive or are fond of. While guapa is a common compliment, using it in this specific combination can imply a level of flirtatiousness or close familiarity.
What does it mean word for word?
vale means "it is worth" or "it is okay", and guapa means "beautiful" or "good-looking".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
vale guapa is an informal expression and should be used with people you know or in casual social settings.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The use of vale to mean "ok" is characteristic of Peninsular Spanish in Spain.
How do you pronounce it?
/bale ɡwapa/
Did you know?
- The word vale shares its history with the Latin command valē, which was used as a way to say 'be well' or 'farewell'.
- In a business context, using guapa to address a colleague or client in Spain can be seen as overly familiar or condescending, regardless of the person's actual appearance.
- While vale is used as 'ok' in Spain, a person from Mexico or Argentina would likely use está bien or dale instead.
Examples in context
- Está usted preciosa esta nocheYou look beautiful tonight
- Estás muy guapa hoyYou look very beautiful today
- Vale guapa, nos vemos allí.Ok beautiful, I will see you there.
- Vale guapa, lo que tú digas.Ok beautiful, whatever you say.
- Vale guapa, paso a buscarte.Ok beautiful, I'll come pick you up.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are making plans over the phone.
- Daniel¿Nos vemos a las ocho en la plaza?Shall we meet at eight at the plaza?
- SofíaSí, me parece perfecto.Yes, that sounds perfect to me.
- DanielVale guapa, estaré allí puntual.Ok beautiful, I will be there on time.
- SofíaHasta luego, Daniel.See you later, Daniel.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vale, CC BY-SA 4.0.
