tipo
tee-poh
📝 In Action
¿Qué tipo de comida te gusta?
A1What type of food do you like?
No me gusta este tipo de película.
A2I don't like this kind of movie.
Hay muchos tipos de animales en la selva.
B1There are many types of animals in the jungle.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Tipo de'
To ask 'what kind of...?', you say '¿qué tipo de...?'. The word after 'de' usually doesn't need 'un' or 'una'. For example, 'un tipo de coche' (a type of car).
⭐ Usage Tips
A Flexible Word
'Tipo' is a great word to use when you don't know the exact name for something. You can say 'es un tipo de herramienta para...' (it's a type of tool for...).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: tipo
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence uses 'tipo' to mean 'guy'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'tipo' and 'clase'?
They are often interchangeable for 'kind' or 'type'. 'Clase' can sometimes feel a bit more formal or scientific, like 'clase de animal' (class of animal). 'Tipo' is extremely common and flexible in everyday conversation. When in doubt, 'tipo' is usually a safe bet.
Is it rude to call someone a 'tipo'?
It's not necessarily rude, but it is informal and impersonal. You use it to talk about a man you don't know or to refer to someone neutrally. For example, 'el tipo que arregló el internet' (the guy who fixed the internet). You wouldn't use it for your close friend or your boss.
Can I use 'tipo' for things and animals, not just people?
Yes, absolutely! The meaning 'type' or 'kind' works for everything: 'un tipo de planta' (a type of plant), 'ese tipo de problema' (that type of problem), 'otro tipo de perro' (another type of dog).