Which one should you use?
In some contexts, particularly in Spain, guay is used to mean 'cool', but it is not a direct synonym for physical attractiveness like guapo.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
A more formal or neutral alternative to 'es guapo/a' is es atractivo/a. If you are in a highly formal situation, you might say Es usted muy atractivo/a to mean 'You are very attractive'. In informal settings, you can use ¡Qué bonito/a estás! to say 'You look so beautiful/handsome' or the slang phrase ¡Vaya bombón! to say 'Wow, what a hottie!'
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the phrase te ves poca madre is used to say 'you look fantastic'. In Argentina, you might hear estás re bueno/a to mean 'you look really good'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective guapo must agree in gender with the person being described, so use guapa for a woman.
How do you pronounce it?
/alɡjen es ɡwapo/
Did you know?
- The word guapo has undergone a complete transformation from its original meaning. It once referred to a 'rascal' or a 'ruffian' before evolving into a compliment for someone's physical appearance.
- Calling someone a bombón is a common way to say they are a 'hottie'. This word literally translates to 'chocolate candy', treating the person's attractiveness like a sweet treat.
- In Argentina, using the verb estás in estás re bueno/a suggests a temporary state of looking hot, whereas es describes a permanent trait.
Examples in context
- Ese chico es muy guapo.That boy is very good looking.
- Esa mujer es muy guapa.That woman is very good looking.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are talking about a new coworker.
- Mateo¿Viste al chico nuevo de la oficina?Did you see the new guy at the office?
- MaríaSí, me parece que alguien es guapo hoy.Yes, I think someone is good looking today.
- MateoTienes razón, es muy atractivo.You are right, he is very attractive.
- MaríaEspero que sea simpático también.I hope he is nice too.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alguien, es, guapo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
