lindo
/leen-doh/
pretty
Lindo (Adjective) means 'pretty,' 'lovely,' or 'cute,' as used when describing this adorable puppy.
lindo(Adjective)
pretty
?describing appearance
,lovely
?describing a thing, person, or situation
,cute
?especially for people or animals
beautiful
?describing appearance, often less intense than 'hermoso'
,nice
?describing a gesture or person's character
📝 In Action
¡Qué vestido tan lindo!
A1What a pretty dress!
Tu cachorro es muy lindo.
A1Your puppy is very cute.
Pasamos un día lindo en la playa.
A2We had a lovely day at the beach.
Fue un gesto muy lindo de tu parte.
B1That was a very nice gesture on your part.
💡 Grammar Points
Matching the Noun It Describes
Like most describing words in Spanish, 'lindo' must change its ending to match the person or thing it's describing. Use 'lindo' for masculine things (un perro lindo), 'linda' for feminine things (una casa linda), 'lindos' for multiple masculine things, and 'lindas' for multiple feminine things.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting to Change the Ending
Mistake: "La flor es lindo."
Correction: La flor es linda. Because 'flor' (flower) is a feminine word, the describing word needs the '-a' ending to match it.
⭐ Usage Tips
More Than Just Looks
While 'lindo' often means 'pretty' or 'cute,' you can also use it to describe a nice day, a kind person, or a sweet gesture. It's a very versatile and positive word.
Lindo (Adverb) describes an action done 'nicely' or 'well,' such as 'Ella canta muy lindo' (She sings very nicely).
📝 In Action
Ella canta muy lindo.
B1She sings very nicely.
El equipo jugó lindo y ganó el partido.
B2The team played well and won the game.
💡 Grammar Points
Describing an Action
Sometimes in Spanish, you can use the masculine form of a describing word like 'lindo' to say how an action is done. It describes the verb (the action), not a noun, so it always stays 'lindo' and doesn't change to 'linda'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Feminine Form
Mistake: "Ella canta muy linda."
Correction: Ella canta muy lindo. When you're describing *how* she sings (the action), you use 'lindo'. Saying 'canta muy linda' would sound like you're describing *her* as pretty *while* she sings, which is a bit different.
⭐ Usage Tips
Sounding Natural
Using 'lindo' this way sounds very natural in conversational Spanish, especially in Latin America. It's a great way to add flavor to your speech instead of always using 'bien' (well).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: lindo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'lindo' correctly to describe how someone does something?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'lindo', 'bonito', and 'hermoso'?
Think of them on a scale. 'Lindo' and 'bonito' are very similar and both mean 'pretty' or 'nice'. 'Lindo' is often seen as a bit warmer and more affectionate, especially in Latin America. 'Hermoso' is a step up, meaning 'beautiful' or 'gorgeous'. You'd use 'hermoso' for something truly breathtaking, like a sunset or a work of art.
Can I call a man 'lindo'?
Yes, you can, but be aware of the context. Calling a man 'lindo' can mean he is physically attractive ('handsome' or 'cute'). It can also refer to his personality, meaning he is 'sweet' or 'kind'. It's generally a positive compliment.