fino
/fee-noh/
thin
A thin needle illustrates the meaning of 'fino' when describing width.
fino(adjective)
thin
?describing width or depth
,fine
?delicate in texture
slender
?describing delicate shapes
📝 In Action
Dibuja una línea muy fina con el lápiz.
A2Draw a very thin line with the pencil.
La arena de esta playa es muy fina.
B1The sand on this beach is very fine.
💡 Grammar Points
Matching the Gender
Remember to change the ending to 'fina' if the object you are describing is feminine, like 'la mesa fina'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Fino vs. Delgado
Mistake: "Using 'fino' to describe a person who has lost weight."
Correction: Use 'delgado' for people. Use 'fino' for objects or textures like paper, hair, or sand.
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing Textures
Use 'fino' when something feels smooth and delicate to the touch, like high-quality sheets or sand.
An elegant teacup represents 'fino' in the context of social style and refinement.
fino(adjective)
elegant
?social style
,refined
?manners or taste
high-quality
?expensive materials
,fancy
?socially superior
📝 In Action
Es una persona de modales muy finos.
B1He is a person of very refined manners.
Esta es una joya de oro fino.
B2This is a piece of jewelry made of fine gold.
💡 Grammar Points
Describing Quality
When 'fino' comes after a noun, it usually emphasizes the high quality or purity of the material.
⭐ Usage Tips
Subtle Compliments
Calling someone 'fino' can be a compliment on their elegance, but be careful—sometimes it can sound a bit stuck-up depending on your tone!
A glass of dry sherry illustrates the noun 'fino'.
📝 In Action
Camarero, ¿me pone un fino, por favor?
B2Waiter, can I have a glass of fino, please?
💡 Grammar Points
Noun Usage
In this context, 'fino' is a noun. You use it just like you would use 'café' or 'té'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Culture Tip
Fino is a very traditional dry wine from the south of Spain (Jerez). It is almost always served very cold.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: fino
Question 1 of 2
If you are buying very high-quality jewelry, which word would describe the gold?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'fino' to say a person is skinny?
Not usually. 'Delgado' is the standard word for a thin person. 'Fino' is used for people to describe their delicate features or elegant manners rather than their weight.
Does 'fino' always mean 'thin'?
No! It can mean 'thin' (physical), 'refined' (manners), 'high-quality' (materials), 'sharp' (senses like hearing), or even a specific type of Spanish wine.