tipo duro
/tipo duɾo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "tough guy" is translated into Spanish as tipo duro.
Tipo duro can be used both admiringly to describe someone's mental toughness and pejoratively to describe someone acting aggressively or intimidatingly.
Meaning: Translations (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of tipo (guy/type) and duro (hard/tough).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While tipo duro can be a neutral description of someone resilient, matón specifically implies a tough guy who is a bully or a criminal.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a woman, change the masculine tipo duro to the feminine tipa dura. The plural form is tipos duros.
How do you pronounce it?
/tipo duɾo/
Did you know?
- In some contexts, duro can refer to a physical hard object or a stubborn person, but it also historically referred to a specific old Spanish silver coin.
- The word tipo shares an ancient root with the Greek word for 'poke', originally referring to a mark left by a blow.
- While 'tough guy' is often a personality trait, in some Spanish-speaking contexts, calling someone a duro can also mean they are a 'pro' or an expert at a specific task.
Examples in context
- Tom es un tipo duro.Tom is a tough guy.Tatoeba #1711127 by marcelostockle, translation #1542670 by Spamster
- Él no se desalentará con facilidad, porque es un tipo duro.He won't be easily discouraged, because he's a tough guy.Tatoeba #1243151 by marcelostockle, translation #291677 by Dejo
- El capitán del equipo es un individuo férreo, no se rinde nunca.The team captain is a tough guy, he never gives up.
- Juan siempre se hace el tipo duro, pero en realidad es muy sensible.Juan always acts like a tough guy, but he's actually very sensitive.
- El matón de la escuela es un auténtico macarra.The school bully is a real tough guy.
- Ese chico es todo un broncas, siempre busca problemas.That guy is a real tough guy, he's always looking for trouble.
- No intentes actuar como un tipo duro conmigo.Don't try to act like a tough guy with me.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are discussing a person who acted aggressively at a party.
- Sofía¿Viste cómo se comportó ese hombre?Did you see how that man behaved?
- JavierSí, se cree un tipo duro.Yes, he thinks he's a tough guy.
- SofíaNo me gusta su actitud.I don't like his attitude.
- JavierA mí tampoco, es muy molesto.Neither do I, he is very annoying.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries duro, tipo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
