How to Say "elegant" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “elegant” is “elegante” — use this word to describe a person's appearance, clothing, or style that is stylish and attractive.
Use this word to describe a person's appearance, clothing, or style that is stylish and attractive.
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Use this word to describe someone who has a refined and sophisticated air, often implying social status or gravitas.
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Use this word to describe someone's manners or taste that are refined, subtle, and cultured.
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Use this word when referring to clothing or events that require a high level of seriousness and adherence to tradition, often implying a dress code.
Learn more →eh-leh-GAHN-tehe.leˈɣan.te
Examples
Ella lleva un vestido muy elegante para la fiesta.
She is wearing a very elegant dress for the party.
Ese restaurante es bastante elegante; necesitamos vestirnos bien.
That restaurant is quite classy; we need to dress well.
Su forma de hablar es muy elegante y educada.
His way of speaking is very sophisticated and polite.
One Form for Both Genders
Unlike many Spanish adjectives, 'elegante' ends in '-e', meaning it describes both masculine nouns (el traje elegante) and feminine nouns (la casa elegante) without changing its ending.
Making it Plural
To describe more than one thing, simply add '-s' to the end: 'unos zapatos elegantes' (some elegant shoes).
Trying to Feminize
Mistake: “La mujer elegantA.”
Correction: La mujer elegante. Remember, adjectives that end in '-e' usually stay the same for both genders.
dees-teen-GHEE-dohdistinˈɡiðo
Examples
El embajador es un hombre muy distinguido.
The ambassador is a very distinguished man.
Nos alojamos en un hotel distinguido en el centro de Madrid.
We stayed at a refined hotel in the center of Madrid.
Su trato distinguido siempre impresiona a los clientes.
His elegant manner always impresses the clients.
Matching with the person
This word needs to change its ending depending on who you are describing. Use 'distinguido' for a man and 'distinguida' for a woman.
Using it before the noun
In very formal letters, you often put this word BEFORE the person's name or title to show extra respect (e.g., 'Distinguido Sr. García').
Mixing up with 'different'
Mistake: “Esa idea es muy distinguida.”
Correction: Esa idea es muy distinta.
fee-nohˈfino
Examples
Es una persona de modales muy finos.
He is a person of very refined manners.
Esta es una joya de oro fino.
This is a piece of jewelry made of fine gold.
Describing Quality
When 'fino' comes after a noun, it usually emphasizes the high quality or purity of the material.
for-MAHLfoɾˈmal
Examples
Para la boda, es obligatorio llevar ropa formal.
For the wedding, it is mandatory to wear formal clothes.
Necesitas enviar una solicitud formal al departamento.
You need to send an official application to the department.
La reunión fue muy formal, todos se trataron de usted.
The meeting was very formal; everyone addressed each other using 'usted' (the polite form).
Adjective Agreement
Since 'formal' ends in 'l,' it only changes to match the number (singular or plural) of the noun it describes: 'un evento formal' (one formal event) and 'varios eventos formales' (several formal events).
Elegante vs. Distinguido
Learners often confuse 'elegante' and 'distinguido'. Remember that 'elegante' primarily describes outward appearance and style, while 'distinguido' refers more to an inner quality of sophistication and bearing, often tied to social standing.
Related Translations
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