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How to Say "gorgeous" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “gorgeous” is “hermoso” — use 'hermoso' for general, strong beauty, especially when describing landscapes, art, or abstract concepts..

English → Spanish

hermoso

/er-MOH-soh//eɾˈmoso/

AdjectiveA1General
Use 'hermoso' for general, strong beauty, especially when describing landscapes, art, or abstract concepts.
A majestic landscape of tall, snow-capped mountains reflecting perfectly in a calm blue lake under a vibrant orange and pink sunrise sky.

Examples

El paisaje desde la montaña es hermoso.

The landscape from the mountain is beautiful.

Tu vestido es hermoso, ¿dónde lo compraste?

Your dress is gorgeous, where did you buy it?

Gracias por el hermoso regalo.

Thank you for the lovely gift.

Making it Match: Gender & Number

Like most Spanish describing words, 'hermoso' must change its ending to match the person or thing it describes. Use 'hermoso' for masculine things, 'hermosa' for feminine things, 'hermosos' for plural masculine things, and 'hermosas' for plural feminine things.

Where to Put It

Usually, 'hermoso' comes after the thing it describes (e.g., 'un coche hermoso' - a beautiful car). You can put it before for a more poetic or emotional effect (e.g., 'un hermoso día' - a beautiful day).

Forgetting to Change the Ending

Mistake: “La casa es hermoso.”

Correction: Say 'La casa es hermosa.' Because 'casa' is a feminine word (it ends in -a), the describing word 'hermoso' needs to change to 'hermosa' to match.

Ser vs. Estar

Mistake: “La playa es hermosa hoy.”

Correction: It's better to say 'La playa está hermosa hoy.' Use 'ser' (es) for permanent qualities ('La playa es hermosa' - The beach is a beautiful place in general). Use 'estar' (está) for temporary states or how something looks right now ('La playa está hermosa hoy' - The beach looks beautiful today).

precioso

preh-SYOH-soh/pɾeˈθjoso/

adjectiveA1General
Use 'precioso' for intense, captivating beauty, often used for things or people you find particularly lovely or charming.
A vibrant monarch butterfly with perfectly symmetrical wings resting gently on a large pink flower blossom.

Examples

¡Qué vestido más precioso llevas hoy!

What a beautiful dress you are wearing today!

El amanecer en la montaña fue un momento precioso.

The sunrise in the mountains was a lovely moment.

Mi sobrino es un bebé muy precioso.

My nephew is a very cute baby.

Agreement is Key

Like all Spanish adjectives, 'precioso' must change its ending to match the thing it describes. Use 'preciosa' for feminine words (like 'casa') and 'preciosos' or 'preciosas' for plurals.

maravilloso

/mah-rah-bee-YO-so//maɾaβiˈʎoso/

AdjectiveA2General
Employ 'maravilloso' to describe something as wonderful or amazing, often referring to experiences, events, or situations that are exceptionally pleasing.
A small child stands on a green hill and looks up in amazement at a huge, perfectly formed, colorful rainbow filling the sky. The scene evokes a sense of wonder.

Examples

El viaje a la costa fue maravilloso.

The trip to the coast was wonderful.

Tienes un talento maravilloso para la música.

You have a marvelous talent for music.

La vista desde la montaña es maravillosa.

The view from the mountain is gorgeous.

Making it Match: Gender and Number

This word changes its ending to match the person or thing it's describing. Think of it like a chameleon! Use 'maravilloso' for masculine things and 'maravillosa' for feminine things. If you're talking about more than one, add an 's': 'maravillosos' or 'maravillosas'.

Using 'Ser' vs. 'Estar'

Use 'ser maravilloso' for something that is always wonderful (its basic quality). For example, 'El arte es maravilloso' (Art is wonderful). Use 'estar maravilloso' for something that is wonderful right now (its current condition). For example, 'La cena está maravillosa' (The dinner is wonderful).

Forgetting to Change the Ending

Mistake: “La película es maravilloso.”

Correction: La película es maravillosa. Because 'película' (movie) is a feminine word, the ending of 'maravilloso' needs to change to '-a' to match it.

divino

dee-VEE-noh/diˈβi.no/

adjectiveA2Informal
Choose 'divino' for beauty that feels almost heavenly or perfect, often used informally for food, objects, or even people you find delightful.
A single, perfectly ripe, shining red apple resting on a patch of bright green grass, symbolizing wonderful quality.

Examples

Ese pastel de chocolate está divino. ¡Tienes que probarlo!

That chocolate cake is heavenly/wonderful. You have to try it!

Tu nuevo corte de pelo es divino. Te queda muy bien.

Your new haircut is gorgeous. It suits you very well.

Pasamos un fin de semana divino en la playa.

We had a wonderful weekend at the beach.

Adjective Agreement

Remember that 'divino' must change its ending to match the thing it describes. Use 'divina' for feminine words (la casa divina) and 'divinos' or 'divinas' for plural words.

Using the wrong gender

Mistake: “El vestido está divina.”

Correction: El vestido está divino. (Since 'vestido' is masculine, the adjective must be masculine.)

rico

REE-koh/ˈriko/

AdjectiveC1Informal
Use 'rico' informally and specifically to describe a person as very attractive or 'hot', never for inanimate objects or general beauty.
A friendly, confident young adult character standing upright and smiling brightly while wearing a simple, stylish blue shirt.

Examples

Esa actriz está muy rica. Todos la admiran.

That actress is very attractive/hot. Everyone admires her.

No puedo concentrarme, mi compañero de trabajo está súper rico.

I can't concentrate, my coworker is super hot.

Distinguishing Between General Beauty and Attractiveness

Learners often confuse 'hermoso', 'precioso', and 'maravilloso' with 'rico'. Remember that 'rico' is exclusively used for physical attractiveness in an informal, often flirtatious, context. The other words are for general beauty and can apply to landscapes, objects, experiences, and people.

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