lleno
/ˈʝeno/
In Spanish, the English phrase 'stuffed' (meaning full after eating) is expressed as lleno.
While lleno literally means 'full', it is the standard way to say one is 'stuffed' after a meal in a neutral context.
Meaning: full after eating (adj)
Which one should you use?
The phrase hasta arriba is a colloquial way to express being extremely full or stuffed, meaning 'up to the top'. If you want to be more formal or emphatic, you can use repleto, which can mean 'stuffed' or 'brimming'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a formal way to express 'stuffed', you can use the participle forms rellenado or rellenada. Conversely, if you want to be informal, you can use rellenito or rellenita to describe something that is a little bit stuffed, filled or plump.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the person or group being described. Use llena if the person is female, and use llenos if referring to a group of men or a mixed group.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʝeno/
Did you know?
- Spanish speakers may use the phrase estar a reventar to mean they are so stuffed they are 'about to burst', which is more visceral than lleno.
- Calling someone rellenito or rellenita is often used as a polite, softened euphemism for being overweight rather than just referring to a meal.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, saying estoy hasta arriba can also describe being overwhelmed with work or tasks, not just being physically stuffed with food.
Examples in context
- Tengo un pavo relleno.I have a stuffed turkey.
- Me encanta la berenjena rellena.I love stuffed eggplant.
- Este burrito está lleno de carne.This burrito is stuffed with meat.
- La piñata está llena de caramelos.The piñata is filled with candies.
- ¡Mira esa piñata, está rellenita de juguetes!Look at that piñata, it's filled with little toys!
- Estoy lleno.I am stuffed.
- Estoy muy lleno después de la cena.I am very full after dinner.
- ¿Estás lleno o quieres más postre?Are you full or do you want more dessert?
- Ya no puedo comer, estoy lleno.I can't eat anymore, I'm full.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are finishing a large meal at a restaurant.
- Sofía¿Quieres pedir un pastel, Javier?Do you want to order a cake, Javier?
- JavierNo gracias, estoy completamente lleno.No thanks, I am completely stuffed.
- SofíaYo también estoy muy llena.I am very stuffed too.
- JavierEntonces, pidamos solo la cuenta.Then, let's just ask for the bill.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry lleno, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
