tipo
/ˈtipo/
The Spanish word for the English phrase 'type' is tipo.
tipo is used to describe a category of people or things that share common characteristics. In many Spanish-speaking regions, it is also used colloquially to mean 'guy' or 'fellow'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, such as Mexico and Argentina, the verb mecanografiar is used to refer to the act of typing.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of tipo is tipos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtipo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When speaking casually, be aware that tipo often shifts meaning to refer to a person (a guy) rather than a technical category or classification.
Did you know?
- In some contexts, particularly in certain Latin American dialects, you might hear tipo used as a filler word, similar to how English speakers use 'like' to pause during a sentence.
- The word tipo is a cognate of the English word 'type' and both trace back to the Ancient Greek word τύπος, which originally meant a 'mark' or 'impression'.
- While tipo refers to a category, the act of typing on a keyboard is often expressed using the verb teclear, derived from tecla meaning 'key'.
Examples in context
- No es mi tipo.This is not my type.This sentence is useful for showing how to say something is not your type using tipo.Tatoeba #2868 by Shishir, translation #1702 by Swift
- ¡Él es mi tipo!He is my type!This sentence is useful for expressing that someone is your type using tipo.Tatoeba #1598154 by teskmon, translation #284379 by CK
- No soy su tipo.I'm not her type.This sentence is useful for saying you are not someone's type using tipo.Tatoeba #5058489 by don_ramon, translation #2549314 by CK
- Necesito escribir a máquina este informeI need to type this report
- Prefiero redactar en el ordenador para mayor claridadI prefer to type on the computer for better clarity
- Debo transcribir estas notas a la computadoraI need to type these notes on the computer
- Voy a escribir ese mensaje en mi teléfonoI'm going to type that message on my phone
- Estoy tecleando un ensayo muy largoI'm typing a very long essay
- 103 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are discussing their favorite music at a party.
- Mateo¿Qué tipo de música prefieres, Elena?What type of music do you prefer, Elena?
- ElenaMe gusta todo tipo de jazz.I like all types of jazz.
- MateoYo prefiero el tipo de música rock.I prefer the rock type of music.
- ElenaEse es un estilo muy energético.That is a very energetic style.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tipo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tipo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
