algo es hermoso
/alɡo es eɾmoso/from spelling rules
The English phrase "something is beautiful" is translated into Spanish as algo es hermoso.
Which one should you use?
The term hermoso implies a higher degree of beauty or splendor compared to bonito, which is more commonly translated as "pretty" or "nice". For a more poetic or literary tone, you can use algo es bello.
How do you pronounce it?
/alɡo es eɾmoso/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, hermoso can be used ironically or as a sarcastic way to describe a disastrous situation, similar to saying 'just great' in English.
- The word hermoso shares the same Latin root as the English word 'form', specifically fōrmōsus, which literally means 'full of form' or 'having a beautiful shape'.
- While hermoso describes beauty, its spelling changed from the medieval fermoso to the modern version, dropping the initial 'f' as it evolved through Spanish phonetic history.
Examples in context
- El paisaje es hermoso.The landscape is beautiful.
- El vestido es precioso.The dress is beautiful.
- La puesta de sol es maravillosa.The sunset is marvelous.
- Esa película es chula.That movie is cool.
- El jardín está precioso esta primavera.The garden looks beautiful this spring.
- ¡Qué hermoso canto de pájaro!What a beautiful bird song!
- Vimos un atardecer maravilloso en la playa.We saw a marvelous sunset at the beach.
- ¡Esa camiseta es chulísima!That t-shirt is really cool!
- El edificio tiene una arquitectura deslumbrante.The building has stunning architecture.
- A veces algo es hermoso sin palabras.Sometimes something is beautiful without words.
Example conversation
María and Javier are visiting an art gallery.
- MaríaMira este cuadro, Javier.Look at this painting, Javier.
- JavierEs increíble. Siempre que algo es hermoso, me detengo.It's incredible. Whenever something is beautiful, I stop.
- MaríaTienes razón, los colores son perfectos.You're right, the colors are perfect.
- JavierEs la mejor obra de la sala.It is the best piece in the room.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries algo, es, hermoso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
