gorda
/GOR-dah/
fat
Gorda used as an adjective describing something of large physical size.
gorda(adjective)
fat
?describing physical size
,plump
?softer way to describe size
heavy-set
?describing build
📝 In Action
La perra de mi vecina es muy gorda porque come demasiado.
A1My neighbor's female dog is very fat because she eats too much.
No estoy gorda, solo tengo huesos grandes.
A2I'm not fat, I just have big bones.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine vs. Feminine
This word is the feminine form. Use 'gorda' when describing a female person or a feminine noun (like 'la mesa'). Use 'gordo' for masculine nouns.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Muy' too much
Mistake: "Está muy gorda."
Correction: Use qualifiers like 'un poco gorda' (a little plump) or 'bastante gorda' (quite heavy) to soften the directness, as 'gorda' can be a strong word.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with Caution
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, using 'gorda' to describe someone's appearance can be considered rude or offensive unless you are very close to the person.
Gorda used as a noun, often as a descriptive nickname for a person.
gorda(noun)
fatty
?referring to a person, often a nickname
,sweetie
?term of endearment, especially in Mexico and Central America
big girl
?familiar address
📝 In Action
Mi esposo siempre me llama 'Gorda' de cariño.
A2My husband always calls me 'Sweetie' (or 'Fatty') affectionately.
¡Oye, gorda! ¿Me ayudas con esto?
B1Hey, big girl! Can you help me with this?
💡 Grammar Points
Affectionate Nouns
It is common in Spanish to use physical descriptions (like 'gorda' or 'flaca') as friendly, affectionate nicknames, which may sound strange or offensive if translated literally to English.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
Only use 'Gorda' as a term of endearment if you hear native speakers using it in that context among friends or family, and never with strangers, as the meaning is highly dependent on tone and relationship.
Gorda used as an adjective meaning 'thick,' often referring to lines or layers.
gorda(adjective)
thick
?referring to layers, lines, or material
big
?referring to a large sum of money or prize
📝 In Action
Tienes una letra muy gorda, casi no cabe en el papel.
B1You have very thick (large) handwriting; it barely fits on the paper.
Ganó una gorda suma de dinero en la lotería.
B2She won a huge sum of money in the lottery.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
When used figuratively, 'gorda' means something is substantial or dense, like a thick coat of paint or a very large amount of something non-physical.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: gorda
Question 1 of 2
In Mexico, if a husband calls his wife 'Mi gorda,' what is the most likely meaning?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'gorda' always an insult?
No. While it can be used offensively to describe someone's size, it is also very often used neutrally, or even as a warm term of endearment (like a nickname) within close relationships, especially in countries like Mexico.
What is the difference between 'gorda' and 'gruesa'?
'Gorda' usually refers to the overall size or weight of a person or animal. 'Gruesa' is almost always used for objects, meaning 'thick' or 'dense,' like a board or a piece of cloth.