delgado
/delˈɡado/
The Spanish word for slim is delgado.
delgado is used to describe someone who is slender. If you wish to express the action of losing weight, you can use the verbs adelgazarse, enflaquecer or enflaquecerse.
Meaning: slender (adj)
Which one should you use?
While delgado is a neutral or positive way to say slim, flaco often carries a more negative connotation of being skinny or scrawny.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective delgado must agree in gender with the noun it describes, changing to delgada for feminine nouns. The adjective changes to delgados when describing a group of males or a mixed-gender group. The adjective changes to delgadas when describing a group consisting only of females.
How do you pronounce it?
/delˈɡado/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone flaco can be a term of endearment or a common nickname, despite its literal meaning of 'skinny'.
- The word delgado shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'delicate'. They both stem from the Latin 'delicatus', which originally referred to something fine or exquisite.
- The verb adelgazar can be used not only for people losing weight but also for describing a narrowing path or a thinning piece of fabric.
Examples in context
- Mi tío está delgado, pero mi tía está gorda.My uncle is slim, but my aunt is fat.This sentence illustrates the contrast between being slim and being fat using delgado.Tatoeba #1018651 by Shishir, translation #1327474 by CK
- ¿Cómo lo hace Tom para mantenerse así de delgado?How does Tom manage to stay so slim?This sentence uses delgado to ask how someone maintains their slimness.Tatoeba #8896924 by mialiesperantistas, translation #1834164 by CK
- Él era muy alto y delgado, con brazos y piernas largos.He was very tall and slim, with long arms and legs.This sentence describes a tall and slim person using delgado.Tatoeba #1210387 by cueyayotl, translation #1210122 by CM
- Él es un hombre delgadoHe is a slim man
- Ella es una mujer delgadaShe is a slim woman
- Tiene una figura esbeltaHe/she has a slender figure
- Mi hermano es bastante flacoMy brother is quite slim
- Esa chica tiene un cuerpo finoThat girl has a slim body
- Mi vecino es chaparrito y delgadoMy neighbor is short and slim
- Mis padres son delgados y activosMy parents are slim and active
- Mi amiga tiene una figura esbeltaMy friend has a slender figure
- Ella es flaca pero muy fuerteShe is slim but very strong
- Mis hermanos son chaparritos y delgadosMy siblings are short and slim
- El modelo tiene un cuerpo fino y musculosoThe model has a slim and muscular body
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are talking about a new fitness routine.
- MateoQuiero estar más delgado para el verano.I want to be slimmer for the summer.
- MaríaTú ya eres delgado, Mateo.You are already slim, Mateo.
- MateoSolo quiero tonificar un poco mis brazos.I just want to tone my arms a bit.
- MaríaEntonces deberías ir al gimnasio conmigo.Then you should go to the gym with me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slim” translations and entries delgado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries delgado, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
