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How to Say "elegant" in Spanish

English → Spanish

elegante

eh-leh-GAHN-teh/e.leˈɣan.te/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'elegante' when referring to a person, object, or place that is stylish, attractive, and sophisticated in appearance or manner.
A graceful white swan with its neck arched, gliding smoothly across a still, dark blue pond.

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.

formal

for-MAHL/foɾˈmal/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'formal' when the context specifically requires or implies a dress code or a high level of seriousness and adherence to convention, often for events.
A simplified illustration of a person dressed in a black tuxedo and white shirt with a bow tie, representing formal attire.

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).

fino

/fee-noh//ˈfino/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'fino' to describe someone's manners, taste, or actions as being refined, delicate, and socially graceful, often implying a subtle or cultured quality.
A sophisticated porcelain teacup with a delicate floral pattern on a saucer.

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.

Elegante vs. Fino vs. Formal

Learners often confuse 'elegante' and 'fino'. Remember that 'elegante' typically describes outward appearance and style, while 'fino' relates more to inner qualities like refined manners or subtle taste. 'Formal' is distinct, referring specifically to dress codes or serious occasions.

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