gracioso
“gracioso” means “funny” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
funny
Also: witty, comical
📝 In Action
Mi hermano es muy gracioso, siempre cuenta chistes.
A2My brother is very funny, he always tells jokes.
La película fue tan graciosa que no paré de reír.
A2The movie was so funny I couldn't stop laughing.
No te hagas el gracioso, esto es serio.
B1Don't try to be a comedian, this is serious.
graceful
Also: charming, cute
📝 In Action
La bailarina tenía un movimiento de manos muy gracioso.
B1The dancer had a very graceful hand movement.
Es un gatito muy gracioso y juguetón.
B1He's a very cute and playful kitten.
La niña nos dedicó una sonrisa graciosa.
B2The little girl gave us a charming smile.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: gracioso
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'gracioso' to mean 'graceful' or 'charming'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word 'grātiōsus', which meant 'favored', 'agreeable', or 'full of grace'. This original meaning of 'grace' branched out in Spanish to mean both the elegance of 'gracefulness' and the charm of a 'funny' personality.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can 'gracioso' be an insult?
Yes, it can be, depending on the tone. If you say '¡Qué gracioso!' or 'No te hagas el gracioso' sarcastically, it's like calling someone a 'wise guy' or 'smart aleck'. It implies they are trying to be funny at an inappropriate time or are not being taken seriously.
What's the difference between 'gracioso' and 'chistoso'?
They both mean 'funny', but 'chistoso' is more specifically about telling jokes ('chistes'). Someone who is 'chistoso' is a jokester. 'Gracioso' is broader; a situation, a movie, or a person's personality can be 'gracioso' without them telling a specific joke.