Eres tan feo
/eɾes tan feo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "you're so ugly" is translated into Spanish as Eres tan feo.
Which one should you use?
The word tan is used here to mean "so" (to an intensive degree), whereas tanto would mean "so much" (quantity). Additionally, while Eres tan feo is a direct translation, the exclamation Qué feo eres is a more natural way to express the sentiment of 'you're so ugly' in many Spanish-speaking contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective changes to fea if you are speaking to a female.
How do you pronounce it?
/eɾes tan feo/
Did you know?
- The verb eres is actually a linguistic survivor from the Latin future tense, once meaning 'you will be'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling a baby or a small pet feo or fea is often used as a term of endearment, similar to how English speakers use 'stinky' or 'little monster'.
- In some regions, saying ¡Qué feo! is a common reaction to bad news or a shocking event, acting as a synonym for 'how awful'.
Examples in context
- Eres tan feo(a).You're so ugly.
- Eres tan feo que no te reconozco.You're so ugly that I don't recognize you.
Example conversation
Mateo and Maria are arguing jokingly about their drawings.
- MateoMira mi dibujo, es perfecto.Look at my drawing, it's perfect.
- MaríaTu dibujo es horrible, eres tan feo.Your drawing is horrible, you're so ugly.
- Mateo¡Oye! No digas eso de mí.Hey! Don't say that about me.
- MaríaSolo es una broma, Mateo.It's just a joke, Mateo.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries eres, feo, tan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
