tan guapo
/tan ɡwapo/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "so handsome" is tan guapo.
This phrase is used to describe a man or boy who is very physically attractive.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of tan, which means "so" or "as" and guapo, which means "handsome".
Is it said differently in some regions?
The use of tan apuesto for informal situations and muy apuesto for formal settings is specific to Spain.
How does it change in a sentence?
When describing a woman's attractiveness using this structure, change the masculine guapo to the feminine guapa to get tan guapa. To describe a group of men or a mixed-gender group, use the plural form tan guapos.
How do you pronounce it?
/tan ɡwapo/
Did you know?
- The term guapo shares a distant, strange ancestry with the Latin word vappa, which described 'flat wine' or a 'worthless person'.
- In some Latin American countries, calling someone guapo can imply they are 'brave' or 'bold' rather than just physically attractive. This can lead to confusion if you intend to compliment a man's looks but instead comment on his courage.
- Calling someone guapo in a flirtatious way is common, but using it for a male relative usually focuses on a 'neat' or 'tidy' appearance.
Examples in context
- El señor García es guapísimo.Mr. García is so handsome.
- ¡Estás tan guapo hoy!You look so handsome today!
- Ese actor es tan guapo.That actor is so handsome.
- Tu hermano es tan guapo.Your brother is so handsome.
- ¡No puedo creer que sea tan guapo!I can't believe he is so handsome!
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are looking at a photo of a celebrity.
- MateoMira a este modelo, es tan guapo.Look at this model, he is so handsome.
- SofíaTienes razón, Mateo, es muy atractivo.You're right, Mateo, he is very attractive.
- MateoEs tan guapo que parece de cine.He is so handsome that he looks like he's from a movie.
- SofíaDefinitivamente, es un hombre muy apuesto.Definitely, he is a very handsome man.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries guapo, tan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
