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How to Say "good-looking" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “good-looking” is “guapo” — use 'guapo' for general physical attractiveness, typically for people, especially men, and it's a very common, everyday term.

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guapo

gwah-pohˈɡwapo

adjectiveA1general
Use 'guapo' for general physical attractiveness, typically for people, especially men, and it's a very common, everyday term.
A colorful storybook illustration of a smiling young man in a casual outfit, looking confident and handsome.

Examples

El actor principal de la película es muy guapo.

The main actor in the movie is very handsome.

¡Qué casa tan guapa! Me encanta la fachada.

What a beautiful house! I love the facade.

Ella es guapa, pero él es un poco más feo.

She is good-looking (guapa), but he is a bit uglier.

Changing the Ending

Since 'guapo' is a describing word (adjective), you must change the ending to match the thing you are describing: 'guapo' (masculine singular), 'guapa' (feminine singular), 'guapos' (masculine plural), 'guapas' (feminine plural).

Ser vs. Estar

Use 'ser' (es guapo) if the person is generally handsome. Use 'estar' (está guapo) if they look particularly good today or for a specific event.

Confusing 'Guapo' and 'Bonito'

Mistake: “Using 'guapo' for non-living objects when you mean 'pretty' (e.g., *El flor es guapo*).”

Correction: Use 'bonito' for most beautiful objects or places, reserving 'guapo' mostly for people or objects in Spain. Say: *La flor es bonita*.

atractiva

ah-trahk-TEE-vaha.tɾakˈti.βa

adjectiveA1general
Use 'atractiva' to describe someone's appearance as appealing or captivating, often implying a broader sense of charm beyond just looks, and it can be used for both men and women.
A simple storybook illustration depicting a smiling young woman with bright, pleasant features and a confident posture.

Examples

La nueva profesora es muy atractiva y carismática.

The new teacher is very attractive and charismatic.

Esa oferta de trabajo suena muy atractiva para mí.

That job offer sounds very appealing to me.

Compramos la casa porque la zona era muy atractiva para familias.

We bought the house because the area was very appealing for families.

Adjective Agreement

Since 'atractiva' ends in -a, it is the feminine form. You must use it only when describing a feminine person or a feminine noun (like 'la casa' or 'la idea').

Mixing Genders

Mistake: “La ciudad es atractivo.”

Correction: La ciudad es atractiva. (The word 'ciudad' is feminine, so the adjective must also be feminine.)

apuesto

a-PWES-toaˈpwesto

adjectiveB1general
Choose 'apuesto' to describe a man as strikingly handsome and well-dressed, often with a touch of elegance or formality.
A portrait of a smiling, well-dressed young man looking directly forward.

Examples

El protagonista de la película es un hombre muy apuesto.

The main character of the movie is a very handsome man.

Mi abuelo siempre fue un señor muy apuesto y elegante.

My grandfather was always a very dapper and elegant gentleman.

Con ese traje nuevo, te ves muy apuesto.

With that new suit, you look very handsome.

Making Adjectives Agree

In Spanish, describing words (adjectives) must match the person or thing they describe. 'Apuesto' is used for men ('un hombre apuesto'). For women, it changes to 'apuesta' ('una mujer apuesta').

Gender Mix-up

Mistake: “La actriz es muy apuesto.”

Correction: La actriz es muy apuesta. Remember to change the ending from -o to -a when describing someone or something female.

majo

MAH-hoˈmaxo

adjectiveB1informal
Use 'majo' to describe something or someone as nice, pleasant, or attractive in a general, often understated way; it can apply to objects as well as people.
A stylish person wearing elegant, well-fitted clothes and a confident smile.

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'.

Guapo vs. Majo vs. Apuesto

Learners often confuse 'guapo', 'apuesto', and 'majo'. 'Guapo' is the most general and common for attractive people. 'Apuesto' is more specific to men and implies elegance. 'Majo' is broader, meaning nice or pleasant, and can also describe objects, not just physical appearance.

Related Translations

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