simpático
“simpático” means “nice” in Spanish (describing personality).
nice, friendly
Also: pleasant, likeable
📝 In Action
Mi nueva jefa es muy simpática y siempre sonríe.
A1My new boss is very nice and always smiles.
¿Conoces a Juan? Es un chico muy simpático.
A1Do you know Juan? He is a very friendly guy.
No es solo guapo, también es simpático.
A2He's not just handsome, he's also pleasant/nice.
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Words that translate to "simpático" in Spanish:
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Quick Quiz: simpático
Question 1 of 2
Which verb must you use when saying 'My neighbor is nice'?
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👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Greek word *sympatheia* (συν + πάθος), meaning 'suffering/feeling with.' This concept passed through Latin and arrived in Spanish, evolving its meaning from 'feeling empathy' to describing someone whose character naturally evokes good feelings in others.
First recorded: Mid 19th century (in its modern Spanish usage)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'simpático' the same as 'sympathetic' in English?
Not exactly. While they share the same Greek root, 'simpático' means 'nice' or 'friendly.' If you want to say someone is 'sympathetic' (showing pity or understanding for someone's misfortune), Spanish uses words like 'compasivo' or 'solidario'.
How do I make 'simpático' negative?
You simply add the negative prefix 'anti-' to create 'antipático,' which means 'unfriendly' or 'mean.' It is the most common antonym.