ricos
“ricos” means “rich” in Spanish. It has 4 different meanings depending on context:
rich
Also: wealthy
📝 In Action
Los dueños de la empresa son muy **ricos**.
A1The owners of the company are very rich.
Necesitas muchos años para volverte tan **ricos**.
A2You need many years to become that wealthy.
delicious
Also: good
📝 In Action
¡Qué **ricos** están estos tacos!
A1How delicious these tacos are!
Los postres de la abuela siempre eran **ricos**.
A1Grandma's desserts were always delicious.
rich
Also: plentiful
📝 In Action
Estos cereales son **ricos** en fibra y vitaminas.
B1These cereals are rich in fiber and vitamins.
La zona tiene yacimientos **ricos** en oro.
B2The area has deposits rich in gold.
the rich
Also: wealthy people
📝 In Action
Los **ricos** pagan más impuestos en este país.
A2The rich pay more taxes in this country.
A veces, los **ricos** no tienen tiempo libre.
B1Sometimes, wealthy people don't have free time.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: ricos
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'ricos' to mean 'delicious'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Gothic language, specifically from the word *reiks*, meaning 'powerful' or 'ruler.' This concept of power and status later evolved in Spanish to primarily mean 'wealthy' and extended metaphorically to mean 'high quality' or 'delicious.'
First recorded: Early medieval Spanish (around the 10th-11th 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
How can one word mean both 'rich' (money) and 'delicious' (food)?
The core idea of 'rico' is 'abundance' or 'high quality.' When applied to people, it means an abundance of money. When applied to food, it means an abundance of good flavor or quality ingredients, which we translate as 'delicious.'
Should I use 'ser' or 'estar' with 'ricos'?
Use 'ser' (son) when describing permanent wealth or inherent qualities ('Ellos son ricos'). Use 'estar' (están) when describing the temporary state of food ('Los postres están ricos') or a temporary feeling.



