How to Say "attractive" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “attractive” is “atractivo” — use this for general or physical appeal, describing someone or something that draws attention in a positive way.
atractivo
ah-trahk-TEE-voha.tɾakˈti.βo
Examples
El nuevo actor es muy atractivo y talentoso.
The new actor is very attractive and talented.
La oferta de trabajo parecía atractiva, pero el salario era bajo.
The job offer seemed appealing, but the salary was low.
Necesitamos un diseño más atractivo para la portada del libro.
We need a more appealing design for the book cover.
Gender and Number Agreement
As an adjective, 'atractivo' must change its ending to match the thing it describes. Use '-a' for feminine nouns (una mujer atractiva), '-os' for masculine plural (hombres atractivos), and '-as' for feminine plural (ideas atractivas).
Forgetting Agreement
Mistake: “Los cuadros es atractivo.”
Correction: Los cuadros son atractivos. (Since 'cuadros' is masculine and plural, the adjective must be too.)
guapa
GWAH-pahˈɡwapa
Examples
Tu hermana es muy guapa.
Your sister is very pretty.
¿Conoces a la chica guapa que trabaja aquí?
Do you know the attractive girl who works here?
Qué guapa estás hoy con ese vestido rojo.
How lovely you look today in that red dress.
Ser vs. Estar with Appearance
Use 'ser guapa' for someone's natural, permanent beauty. Use 'estar guapa' to talk about how someone looks right now (e.g., dressed up for an event).
Confusing Gender
Mistake: “El chico es guapa.”
Correction: El chico es guapo. Remember, adjectives must match the gender (masculine/feminine) of the person or thing they describe.
deseable
deh-seh-AH-blehdeseˈaβle
Examples
Tener una buena educación es algo muy deseable.
Having a good education is something very desirable.
No es deseable que los niños pasen tanto tiempo frente a la pantalla.
It is not desirable for children to spend so much time in front of a screen.
Encontramos una solución que es deseable para ambas partes.
We found a solution that is desirable for both parties.
One Form for All
This word ends in -e, which means it stays the same whether you are describing a masculine noun (el resultado deseable) or a feminine noun (la opción deseable).
Describing Possibilities
When you use this word with 'que' (e.g., 'Es deseable que...'), the verb that follows usually changes its ending to show that you are talking about a wish or a possibility, not a cold fact.
Deseable vs. Deseado
Mistake: “Using 'un efecto deseado' when you mean it is worth wanting.”
Correction: Use 'deseado' for something that is already wanted/longed for, and 'deseable' for something that is simply worth having or a good idea.
majo
MAH-hoˈmaxo
Examples
Te has comprado un coche muy majo.
You've bought yourself a very nice/attractive car.
Ese vestido te queda muy majo.
That dress looks very pretty on you.
Describing Objects
When used with objects, 'majo' implies the thing is attractive, well-made, or functional in a pleasing way.
Don't confuse with 'nice' personality
Mistake: “Thinking 'un coche majo' means the car is friendly.”
Correction: When applied to objects, it always refers to its appearance or quality, not its 'personality'.
rico
REE-kohˈriko
Examples
Esa actriz está muy rica. Todos la admiran.
That actress is very attractive/hot. Everyone admires her.
No puedo concentrarme, mi compañero de trabajo está súper rico.
I can't concentrate, my coworker is super hot.
Physical vs. General Appeal
Related Translations
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