What does it mean word for word?
tan means "so" and hermosa means "beautiful/gorgeous".
Which one should you use?
While tan hermosa is a common way to say "so gorgeous", it is slightly less intense than using qué hermosa (how gorgeous) in an exclamation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you can use ¡Estás guapísimo/guapísima! or ¡Eres una belleza! to say so gorgeous. In Mexico and many Latin American countries, the word precioso/preciosa is commonly used to express admiration. Specifically, you can say ¡Qué preciosa eres! or ¡Eres un bombón!
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase must agree in gender and number with the person or object being described. Use tan hermosa for a feminine singular subject, tan hermoso for a masculine singular subject, tan hermosas for feminine plural subjects and tan hermosos for masculine plural subjects or a mixed group of males and females.
How do you pronounce it?
/tan eɾmosa/
Did you know?
- If you describe someone as un bombón to say they are gorgeous, you are literally calling them a 'chocolate candy'.
- In Spanish, you can intensify the word hermosa by adding the suffix -ísimo to create hermosísima. This suggests a level of beauty that transcends the standard meaning of 'gorgeous'.
- While hermosa is an elegant way to describe beauty, the word guapo focuses specifically on physical 'good looks'.
Examples in context
- La puesta de sol es tan hermosa.The sunset is so gorgeous.
- Esa casa nueva es tan hermosa.That new house is so gorgeous.
- Tu hija es tan hermosa.Your daughter is so gorgeous.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are looking at a painting in a gallery.
- MaríaEsta pintura es tan hermosa.This painting is so gorgeous.
- MateoTienes razón, María, es increíble.You are right, María, it is incredible.
- MaríaMe encanta el color de las flores.I love the color of the flowers.
- MateoSí, todo en ella es perfecto.Yes, everything in it is perfect.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
