características físicas
/kaɾaɡteɾistikas fisikas/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "physical characteristics" is características físicas.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the word mono/a is used to describe someone who is cute or pretty. In Mexico, güero/a is often used to describe someone with fair hair or light complexion.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the phrase is característica física. Because características is a feminine plural noun, the adjective físicas must also be feminine and plural to agree with it.
Did you know?
- When discussing physical characteristics, Spanish uses the verb tener for features like eyes or hair, but ser for general build or height.
- Spanish has a specific word, canoso/a, to describe the physical characteristic of having grey hair, rather than using a general color adjective.
- In many Latin American countries, if you describe someone's características without specifying 'físicas', people might assume you are talking about their personality traits.
Examples in context
- Tiene el pelo largo y castaño.She has long, brown hair.
- Tiene ojos azules y una sonrisa encantadora.He has blue eyes and a charming smile.
- Tiene la piel morena y el pelo rizado.She has dark skin and curly hair.
- Es alto y delgado.He is tall and slim.
- Es rubia y tiene los ojos verdes.She is blonde and has green eyes.
- Es pelirrojo y tiene pecas en la cara.He is red-haired and has freckles on his face.
- Está bronceado después de sus vacaciones.He is tanned after his vacation.
- Estás guapa con ese vestido nuevo.You look pretty in that new dress.
- Tiene unos ojazos azules muy llamativos.He has very striking blue eyes.
- Tiene unas piernas de vértigo.She has legs to die for.
- Él tiene características físicas muy marcadas.He has very striking physical characteristics.
- Las características físicas pueden cambiar con la edad.Physical characteristics can change with age.
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are discussing a character in a novel.
- Daniel¿Cómo es el protagonista?What is the protagonist like?
- LucíaNo menciona sus características físicas.She doesn't mention his physical characteristics.
- DanielEs una lástima, me gusta imaginarlo.That is a shame, I like to imagine him.
- LucíaLo entiendo, Daniel.I understand, Daniel.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
