rica
/rri-ka/
rich
When someone has a lot of money, they are rica.
rica(Adjective)
rich
?having a lot of money
,wealthy
?financially affluent
affluent
?describing a person or place
📝 In Action
Su tía es una mujer muy rica que vive en un castillo.
A2Her aunt is a very rich woman who lives in a castle.
La familia de Elena es rica, tienen muchas propiedades.
A1Elena's family is wealthy; they have many properties.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Agreement
Since 'rica' is describing a feminine person or thing, it must end in '-a'. If you were describing a man, you would use 'rico'.
Food that tastes very good is described as rica.
rica(Adjective)
delicious
?tasting very good
,tasty
?having a pleasant flavor
yummy
?informal, especially for children
📝 In Action
¡Qué sopa tan rica! Necesito la receta.
A1What a delicious soup! I need the recipe.
La tarta de chocolate está muy rica hoy.
A1The chocolate cake is very tasty today.
💡 Grammar Points
Ser vs. Estar with Taste
Use the verb 'estar' (like in 'está rica') when the taste is temporary or specific to this moment. Use 'ser' (like in 'es rica') if you mean the food is always delicious in general.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Taste and Flavor
Mistake: "Using 'saborosa' instead of 'rica' when praising a simple dish."
Correction: 'Rica' is the most common and versatile way to say something tastes great. 'Sabrosa' means 'flavorful' and is used less often.
When describing someone as physically appealing, the word rica can be used.
rica(Adjective)
attractive
?physically appealing
,hot
?slang for sexy
gorgeous
?highly complimentary
📝 In Action
Vimos a una chica muy rica en el gimnasio.
B2We saw a really attractive girl at the gym.
Dicen que la nueva actriz es muy rica.
B2They say the new actress is really hot (attractive).
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with Caution
This meaning is highly informal and can be considered inappropriate or overly forward depending on the context and region. Use 'guapa' or 'bonita' if you want to compliment someone politely.
Land that is abundant in resources or nutrients is considered rica.
rica(Adjective)
rich
?abundant in nutrients/resources
,fertile
?describing soil or land
full of
?metaphorical abundance
📝 In Action
Esta tierra es muy rica para plantar verduras.
B1This land is very rich (fertile) for planting vegetables.
La historia de esa cultura es muy rica y compleja.
B2The history of that culture is very rich and complex.
⭐ Usage Tips
Beyond Money
Remember that 'rica' often describes the quality or content of something, not just money. Think of it as 'full of good stuff,' whether that's nutrients, flavor, or history.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: rica
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'rica' to describe a temporary state or feeling?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'rica' means 'delicious' or 'wealthy'?
Context is key! If 'rica' is describing a food item (like 'sopa,' 'pizza,' or 'fruta'), it almost always means 'delicious.' If it's describing a person, a country, or a company, it usually means 'wealthy' or 'abundant in resources.'
Is 'rica' offensive when used as slang for 'attractive'?
It depends heavily on the region and the situation. While it is a common way to say 'hot' or 'attractive' in many parts of Latin America, it is very informal and can be seen as overly suggestive or inappropriate in formal settings or when speaking to strangers. It's best reserved for close friends.