How to Say "chubby" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “chubby” is “gordito” — use 'gordito' to describe someone or something (often a child or pet) that is pleasantly plump or a bit overweight in a cute, endearing way..
gordito
/gor-DEE-toh//ɡoɾˈðito/
Examples
Mira ese gatito tan gordito.
Look at that very chubby little kitten.
Mi hijo está un poco gordito porque come mucho chocolate.
My son is a little pudgy because he eats a lot of chocolate.
El bebé tiene unos cachetes gorditos y rosados.
The baby has chubby, rosy cheeks.
The 'Cuteness' Suffix
The ending '-ito' is added to the word 'gordo' (fat) to make it sound smaller, softer, and much friendlier. It turns a potentially harsh word into an affectionate one.
Matching the Person
Even though we are looking at 'gordito', if you are describing a female, you must change the 'o' to an 'a' and say 'gordita'.
Using the 'Hard' Version
Mistake: “Calling a friend 'gordo' when you want to be sweet.”
Correction: Use 'gordito' instead! 'Gordo' can sometimes feel too blunt or clinical, while 'gordito' is almost always seen as a term of warmth.
gordo
GOR-doh (like 'gore' then 'dough')/ˈɡoɾðo/
Examples
El perro de mi vecino está muy gordo.
My neighbor's dog is very fat.
Ella no está gorda, solo tiene una complexión fuerte.
She is not fat, she just has a strong build.
Gender and Number Match
Like all Spanish adjectives, 'gordo' changes form to match the person or thing it describes: 'gorda' (feminine), 'gordos' (masculine plural), 'gordas' (feminine plural).
Using 'ser' vs. 'estar'
Mistake: “Using 'ser gordo' when talking about temporary weight gain.”
Correction: Use 'estar gordo' (e.g., 'Estoy gordo ahora') if you are referring to a current state, or 'ser gordo' (e.g., 'Soy gordo') if it's considered a permanent, defining characteristic.
'Gordito' vs. 'Gordo' for 'Chubby'
Related Translations
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