preciosa
/preh-SYOH-sah/
beautiful
Preciosa can be used to describe something beautiful, like this stunning rose.
preciosa(Adjective)
beautiful
?describing a person or object
,lovely
?describing an object or scenery
gorgeous
?high praise
,cute
?describing a child or small object
📝 In Action
Tu hija es muy preciosa y tiene una sonrisa brillante.
A2Your daughter is very beautiful and has a bright smile.
¡Qué casa tan preciosa! Me encanta el jardín.
B1What a lovely house! I love the garden.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Since 'preciosa' ends in -a, it must always describe a feminine word (like 'casa' or 'mesa'). If you are describing a masculine word (like 'coche' or 'momento'), you must use 'precioso'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Placement
Preciosa usually goes after the noun (casa preciosa). When you put it before the noun, it often adds emotional emphasis (mi preciosa hija—my darling daughter).
When something is highly valued or important, it is preciosa (precious).
preciosa(Adjective)
precious
?highly valued or important
,vital
?extremely necessary
costly
?describing jewels or rare items
📝 In Action
Ella perdió una oportunidad preciosa por llegar tarde.
B2She lost a precious opportunity because she arrived late.
Esta documentación es preciosa para el éxito del proyecto.
C1This documentation is vital/precious for the success of the project.
As a term of endearment, preciosa translates to 'darling.'
preciosa(Noun)
darling
?term of endearment
,sweetheart
?term of endearment
dear
?addressing a loved one
📝 In Action
Hola, mi preciosa. ¿Cómo te fue el día?
B1Hello, my darling. How was your day?
Gracias por la ayuda, preciosa.
B2Thank you for the help, sweetheart.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Mi'
When using 'preciosa' as a noun (sweetheart), it is often preceded by 'mi' (my) to make it sound more affectionate: 'mi preciosa'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use Only with Close Relations
This term is intimate. Use it only with family, romantic partners, or very close friends, as it can sound awkward or overly familiar otherwise.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: preciosa
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'preciosa' as a noun (a term of endearment)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use 'preciosa' instead of 'precioso'?
You use 'preciosa' when you are describing a feminine noun (a word that ends in -a, like 'mesa' or 'vista') or when referring to a female person. You use 'precioso' for masculine nouns or male people (like 'regalo' or 'amigo').
Is 'preciosa' stronger than 'bonita' or 'linda'?
Yes, 'preciosa' is generally stronger and more enthusiastic than 'bonita' (pretty) or 'linda' (nice/cute). It suggests exceptional beauty or high value.