bunita
The English word "pretty" is translated into Chamorro as bunita.
The adjective bunita is used to describe things that are pleasant or attractive. While it is especially common when describing women and children, you will also frequently hear it used to describe objects or places that are aesthetically pleasing.
Meaning: especially of women and children: pleasant, attractive (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
bunita is a loanword from the Spanish word bonita, which also means pretty or beautiful.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective bunita is invariant, meaning it does not change its form to agree with gender or number.
Did you know?
- In Chamorro culture, bunita is often used to describe a person's character or a 'pretty' heart, not just their physical appearance.
- Chamorro adjectives like bunita are placed after the noun they describe, which is the opposite of the standard English word order.
- Because Chamorro is spoken in Guam and the CNMI, you will often hear bunita used in code-switching sentences that blend English, Chamorro and Spanish.
Examples in context
- I bunita i yanai.The girl is pretty.
- Bunita i munga ni.This child is pretty.
Example conversation
Antonio is complimenting Theresa's new outfit.
- AntonioBunita ya'man i vestidu-mu, Theresa.Your dress is very pretty, Theresa.
- TheresaHågui yan hagu'yan, Antonio.Thank you, Antonio.
- AntonioUnde hagu'ya' yan hagu'ya' i vestidu?Where did you get the dress?
- TheresaKompra i mama-hu.My mother bought it.
