encanto
/en-KAHN-toh/
charm
Encanto can mean 'charm' when describing a captivating quality or personality.
encanto(noun)
charm
?as a quality
,appeal
?attractiveness
loveliness
?general beauty or pleasantness
📝 In Action
El encanto de la ciudad vieja atrajo a muchos turistas.
A2The charm of the old city attracted many tourists.
Su encanto natural hizo que todos confiaran en él.
B1His natural appeal (or charm) made everyone trust him.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Rule
Even though it ends in 'o', it is a masculine noun: 'el encanto'. This is standard for words ending in 'o' in Spanish.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Noun and Adjective
Mistake: "Usar 'encanto' para describir a una persona directamente: 'Ella es encanto.'"
Correction: Use the related adjective 'encantadora' (charming) or the fixed phrase 'Ella es un encanto' (She is a delight).
⭐ Usage Tips
Expressing Delight
If you want to say something is lovely or charming, you can say '¡Qué encanto!' (What a charm!) or 'Es un encanto.'
When referring to pleasure or a lovely person, encanto translates to 'delight.'
encanto(noun)
delight
?pleasure or a lovely person
,pleasure
?when meeting someone
sweetheart
?informal description of a person
📝 In Action
Fue un encanto conocer a tu familia.
B1It was a delight (or pleasure) to meet your family.
Mi jefe es un encanto, siempre nos trae café.
B1My boss is a delight (or a lovely person), he always brings us coffee.
¡Qué encanto de regalo!
B2What a lovely gift!
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Ser' with 'Encanto'
When you use 'ser' (to be) with 'encanto' to describe a person ('Eres un encanto'), you are giving a fixed, positive compliment. Even if the person is female, the noun 'encanto' remains masculine.
⭐ Usage Tips
Meeting People
A polite and warm way to end an introduction is 'Fue un encanto' or 'Ha sido un encanto' (It was a delight).
In a magical context, encanto means 'spell' or 'incantation.'
encanto(noun)
spell
?magical incantation
,enchantment
?state of being under a spell
charm
?a magical object or talisman
📝 In Action
El mago rompió el encanto que protegía el castillo.
B2The wizard broke the spell that was protecting the castle.
La princesa se despertó del encanto con un beso.
C1The princess woke up from the enchantment with a kiss.
⭐ Usage Tips
Figurative Use
You can use this meaning figuratively to describe something that has an overwhelming, almost magical effect: 'El encanto del mar me cautivó' (The spell/enchantment of the sea captivated me).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: encanto
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'encanto' to mean 'a lovely person'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'encanto' and 'encantador'?
'Encanto' is a noun (a thing or a quality, like 'charm' or 'a spell'), while 'encantador/a' is an adjective (a descriptive word, like 'charming' or 'lovely'). You say 'Ella es encantadora' (She is charming) or 'Ella tiene mucho encanto' (She has a lot of charm).
Can I use 'encanto' to say 'I love' something?
No, you must use the related verb 'encantar' for that. You say 'Me encanta viajar' (I love traveling), not 'Mi encanto viajar.' 'Encanto' is only the noun.