Inklingo

bonitos

/boh-NEE-tohs/

pretty

A group of three colorful, vibrant tulips standing upright in a simple setting, illustrating the concept of prettiness.

Showing three pretty flowers (bonitos).

bonitos(adjective)

mA1

pretty

?

Describing objects, flowers, or small animals (plural)

,

handsome

?

Describing men or boys (plural)

Also:

nice

?

Referring to an agreeable quality or atmosphere (plural)

,

cute

?

Describing small, charming things (plural)

📝 In Action

Los colores de este cuadro son muy bonitos.

A1

The colors in this painting are very pretty.

Mis sobrinos son unos chicos muy bonitos.

A2

My nephews are very handsome boys.

Compramos unos zapatos bonitos para la boda.

A1

We bought some nice shoes for the wedding.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • guapos (handsome/good-looking)
  • hermosos (beautiful)
  • lindos (lovely/cute)

Antonyms

  • feos (ugly)
  • desagradables (unpleasant)

Common Collocations

  • Recuerdos bonitosNice memories
  • Momentos bonitosBeautiful moments

💡 Grammar Points

Matching the Noun

Since 'bonitos' ends in '-os', it is the masculine plural form. You must use it when describing multiple masculine things (e.g., 'libros bonitos') or a mixed group of males and females.

Placement is Flexible

Like many Spanish adjectives, 'bonitos' usually comes after the noun ('vestidos bonitos'). Placing it before the noun ('bonitos vestidos') often adds emphasis or a poetic touch.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Gender Mismatch

Mistake: "Las casas son bonitos."

Correction: Las casas son bonitas. (Since 'casas' is feminine and plural, the adjective must be 'bonitas'.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Versatility

Use 'bonito' for almost anything—it's a safe, positive adjective. While 'guapo' is better for describing an adult person's attractiveness, 'bonito' works well for kids or general charm.

A simple illustration of two striped, streamlined bonitos fish swimming together in the ocean.

Showing two bonitos fish, a type of tuna.

bonitos(noun)

mB1

bonitos

?

Type of fish (plural)

Also:

skipjack tuna

?

Specific species of fish (plural)

📝 In Action

Los pescadores trajeron muchos bonitos al puerto esta mañana.

B1

The fishermen brought many bonitos to the port this morning.

En el mercado, los bonitos frescos son más caros que el atún enlatado.

B2

At the market, fresh bonitos are more expensive than canned tuna.

Word Connections

Common Collocations

  • Pesca de bonitosBonito fishing
  • Lomos de bonitosBonito fillets

💡 Grammar Points

Singular vs. Plural

The singular form is 'el bonito'. The plural form 'los bonitos' is used when talking about multiple fish of this species.

⭐ Usage Tips

Context Clues

If you hear 'bonitos' used with verbs like 'pescar' (to fish) or 'cocinar' (to cook), it almost certainly refers to the fish, not the adjective.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: bonitos

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'bonitos' as the fish (noun)?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'bonito' and 'hermoso'?

'Bonito' means 'pretty,' 'nice,' or 'cute' and is generally used for things, places, or children. 'Hermoso' means 'beautiful' or 'gorgeous' and implies a deeper, more striking beauty, often reserved for majestic things or profound experiences.

Does 'bonitos' mean 'handsome' when describing men?

Yes, 'bonitos' can mean 'handsome' when describing men or boys, though 'guapos' is often a more direct and common choice for adult men.