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bonita

boh-NEE-tahboˈnita

“bonita” means “pretty” in Spanish (describing a person, place, or thing).

pretty

Also: beautiful, nice, lovely
Latin AmericaSpain
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📝 In Action

La casa es muy bonita.

A1

The house is very pretty.

¡Qué flor tan bonita!

A1

What a pretty flower!

Ella es una mujer bonita e inteligente.

A2

She is a beautiful and intelligent woman.

Fue una bonita sorpresa verte aquí.

B1

It was a nice surprise to see you here.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • linda (lovely, pretty)
  • hermosa (beautiful, gorgeous)
  • guapa (good-looking, handsome (for people))

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • una cara bonita – a pretty face
  • una ciudad bonita – a pretty city
  • ropa bonita – nice/pretty clothes
  • una bonita sonrisa – a beautiful smile

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "bonita" in Spanish:

beautiful→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: bonita

Question 1 of 1

Which of these things would you describe using 'bonita'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
bonito(pretty, handsome (masculine form)) — Adjective
bonitamente(prettily) — Adverb
bonitura(prettiness, beauty) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

It comes from the Spanish word 'bueno' (good) and the suffix '-ito/-ita', which makes things sound small or affectionate. So, 'bonita' literally means something like 'a good little thing', which over time came to mean 'pretty'.

First recorded: Around the 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: bonitaGalician: bonita

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the real difference between 'bonita', 'linda', and 'hermosa'?

Think of them on a scale. 'Bonita' and 'linda' are like 'pretty' or 'lovely'—great for everyday compliments for people, places, or things. 'Hermosa' is a step up, closer to 'beautiful' or 'gorgeous'. You'd use it for something or someone that truly takes your breath away.

Can I use 'bonita' to describe a man?

No, you must use the masculine form, 'bonito'. However, calling a man 'bonito' can sometimes sound a bit soft or childlike. It's much more common to call a man 'guapo' (handsome).