Inklingo

How to Say "buff" in Spanish

English → Spanish

entusiasta

/en-too-syas-tah//entuˈsjasta/

nounB1informal
Use 'entusiasta' when referring to someone who is very passionate or knowledgeable about a particular hobby or subject, like a fan.
A person happily looking through a magnifying glass at a colorful collection of butterflies.

Examples

Mi hermano es un gran entusiasta de los cómics de superhéroes.

My brother is a big buff of superhero comics.

Él es un entusiasta del cine clásico.

He is a classic cinema enthusiast.

La convención reunió a miles de entusiastas de la tecnología.

The convention gathered thousands of technology enthusiasts.

Como entusiasta de la cocina, siempre compro especias nuevas.

As a cooking enthusiast, I always buy new spices.

Using 'de'

When you are an enthusiast 'of' something, always use the word 'de' after entusiasta.

Missing the 'the'

Mistake: “Soy entusiasta de música.”

Correction: Soy entusiasta de la música. In Spanish, we usually include 'the' (el/la) when talking about a general topic you like.

mamado

/mah-mah-doh//maˈmaðo/

adjectiveB1informal
Choose 'mamado' specifically when describing a person who is very muscular and physically fit, usually as a result of working out.
A very muscular person lifting a heavy barbell with ease.

Examples

Después de un año en el gimnasio, está muy mamado.

After a year at the gym, he's very buff.

Ese tipo está bien mamado porque entrena todos los días.

That guy is really buff because he trains every day.

No sabía que tu hermano estaba tan mamado.

I didn't know your brother was so ripped.

Si quieres ponerte mamado, tienes que comer más proteína.

If you want to get jacked, you have to eat more protein.

Matching the Ending

Since this word is describing a person, you must change the ending to 'mamada' if you are talking about a woman.

Using 'Estar' vs 'Ser'

Use the verb 'estar' to describe someone's current physical state of being muscular. 'Él está mamado' sounds more natural than 'Él es mamado'.

Formality Check

Mistake: “El gerente está muy mamado.”

Correction: In a professional setting, say 'El gerente es muy atlético' or 'está en buena forma'.

braga

/bra-gah//ˈbɾa.ɣa/

nounB1
Use 'braga' (often in the plural, 'bragas') to refer to a neck gaiter or tube scarf, especially one worn for warmth or protection in cold weather.
A person wearing a warm fleece neck warmer around their neck.

Examples

Necesito comprar una braga térmica para esquiar.

I need to buy a buff for skiing.

No olvides la braga para ir a la nieve.

Don't forget your neck warmer to go to the snow.

Llevo una braga de cuello porque hace mucho viento.

I'm wearing a neck snood because it's very windy.

Esta braga es de forro polar y calienta mucho.

This neck warmer is made of fleece and is very warm.

Singular vs. Plural

Unlike the underwear meaning, when referring to a neck warmer, it is very common to use the singular form 'la braga'.

Confusion with Scarves

Mistake: “Calling it a 'bufanda'.”

Correction: A 'bufanda' is a long strip of fabric you wrap; a 'braga' is a closed circle or tube you slide over your head.

Confusing 'enthusiast' with 'muscular'

The most common mistake is using 'entusiasta' (enthusiast) when you mean 'mamado' (muscular), or vice-versa. Remember, 'entusiasta' describes passion for a topic, while 'mamado' describes a person's physical build.

Related Translations

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