precioso
/preh-SYOH-soh/
beautiful
Precioso can be used to describe something aesthetically beautiful, like this stunning butterfly.
precioso(adjective)
beautiful
?Aesthetic quality
,lovely
?Appealing or charming
gorgeous
?Intensely beautiful
,cute
?Referring to babies, pets, or small things
📝 In Action
¡Qué vestido más precioso llevas hoy!
A1What a beautiful dress you are wearing today!
El amanecer en la montaña fue un momento precioso.
A2The sunrise in the mountains was a lovely moment.
Mi sobrino es un bebé muy precioso.
A1My nephew is a very cute baby.
💡 Grammar Points
Agreement is Key
Like all Spanish adjectives, 'precioso' must change its ending to match the thing it describes. Use 'preciosa' for feminine words (like 'casa') and 'preciosos' or 'preciosas' for plurals.
⭐ Usage Tips
Intensifying Beauty
You can make 'precioso' even stronger by saying 'preciosísimo' (absolutely gorgeous), although this is more common in informal or literary speech.
When something is of great value or worth, like a priceless gem, it is precioso.
precioso(adjective)
precious
?Of great value or worth
,valuable
?High monetary worth
costly
?Expensive
📝 In Action
El anillo tiene piedras preciosas, como diamantes.
B2The ring has precious stones, like diamonds.
El tiempo que pasamos juntos es precioso e irrecuperable.
B1The time we spend together is precious and irreplaceable.
💡 Grammar Points
Material vs. Aesthetic Value
In this sense, 'precioso' emphasizes the high material worth (like gold or gems) or the great personal value (like time or memories), moving beyond simple physical beauty.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: precioso
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'precioso' to mean 'valuable' rather than 'beautiful'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'precioso' stronger than 'bonito' or 'lindo'?
Yes, generally 'precioso' is a stronger compliment than 'bonito' (pretty) or 'lindo' (nice/cute). It often implies 'gorgeous' or 'absolutely lovely.' It's perfect for things that take your breath away.
Can I use 'precioso' to describe something sarcastically?
Yes, but be careful! In informal speech, people sometimes use 'precioso' ironically to mean the opposite, like 'awful' or 'terrible' ('¡Qué cosa más preciosa hiciste!' meaning 'What a terrible thing you did!'). Context and tone are essential here.