Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| flaco | /ˈflako/ | |
| enlapado | /enlapado/ (from spelling rules) | |
| enjuto | /enˈxuto/ | |
| fifiriche | /fifiɾit͡ʃe/ (from spelling rules) | |
| güin | /ɡwin/ (from spelling rules) | masculine, noun |
The word flaco is used to mean thin or skinny. In many Spanish-speaking countries, it is also used as a common, affectionate nickname for a friend, similar to how one might use "buddy" or "slim" in English. It can also function as a noun to refer to a skinny person.
Which one should you use?
While flaco is a common way to say skinny, it can sometimes sound more blunt or even slightly rude compared to delgado, which is a more neutral term for "thin". The forms enlapado, enjuto and fifiriche also exist, as does the masculine noun güin.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective flaco must agree in gender with the person being described. Use flaca for females and change the word to flacos when describing a group of men or a mixed-gender group.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈflako/
When do people say it?
Beyond its literal meaning, flaco is frequently used as a friendly nickname for acquaintances or friends.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the term flaco can be used as a term of endearment for someone regardless of their actual weight.
- The word enjuto shares a hidden connection with the verb 'to dry up', as it originates from the Latin exsūctus, meaning 'sucked dry'.
- The term fifiriche is a more colorful and perhaps regional way to describe someone who is thin or perhaps overly dainty.
Examples in context
- Mi hijo es demasiado flaco.My son is too skinny.This sentence uses flaco to describe a son's physical build.Tatoeba #5446888 by Omnivoro, translation #5446849 by AlanF_US
- Él estaba extremadamente flaco.He was awfully skinny.This sentence uses flaco to describe a past state of being skinny.Tatoeba #1696629 by teskmon, translation #1121263 by Scotland
- Somos flacos.We're skinny.This sentence uses flaco to describe a group of people.Tatoeba #10758828 by arh, translation #11414952 by Agestur
- Él es delgadoHe is skinny
- Ella es delgadaShe is skinny
- La modelo es esbeltaThe model is skinny
- Juan es flacoJuan is skinny
- El gato es enjutoThe cat is skinny
- Después de su enfermedad, Marta se veía descarnadaAfter her illness, Marta looked skinny
- María es delgada y bonitaMaria is skinny and pretty
- Mis amigos son flacos pero muy saludablesMy friends are skinny but very healthy
- Me veo enjuta en esta ropaI look skinny in these clothes
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a person at a party.
- María¿Viste al chico nuevo?Did you see the new guy?
- AlejandroSí, es muy flaco.Yes, he is very skinny.
- MaríaEs verdad, parece que no come.It's true, it looks like he doesn't eat.
- AlejandroTal vez es un atleta.Maybe he is an athlete.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “skinny” translations and entries flaco, enlapado, enjuto, fifiriche, güin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries enjuto, flaco, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
