How to Say "handsome" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “handsome” is “guapo” — this is the most common and versatile term for 'handsome' when describing an attractive man or boy, suitable for most everyday situations..
guapo
Examples
El actor es muy guapo y talentoso.
The actor is very handsome and talented.
apuesto
/a-PWES-to//aˈpwesto/
Examples
Es un hombre apuesto con un porte elegante.
He is a handsome man with an elegant bearing.
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.
bello
BAY-yoh/ˈbe.ʎo/
Examples
Ese modelo tiene un rostro bello.
That model has a beautiful face.
El paisaje de la montaña es realmente bello en otoño.
The mountain landscape is truly beautiful in autumn.
Tienes un perro muy bello y grande.
You have a very lovely and large dog.
Le regaló un bello poema escrito por él mismo.
He gave her a beautiful poem written by himself.
Agreement is Key
As an adjective, 'bello' must change its ending to match the noun it describes: 'bello' (masculine singular), 'bella' (feminine singular), 'bellos' (masculine plural), 'bellas' (feminine plural).
Location of the Adjective
Mistake: “El bello coche.”
Correction: El coche bello. (While 'bello' can go before the noun for emphasis, placing it after is the most standard way to describe something.)
hermoso
/er-MOH-soh//eɾˈmoso/
Examples
El novio estaba hermoso con su traje.
The groom looked gorgeous in his suit.
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).
chulo
/CHOO-loh//ˈtʃulo/
Examples
¡Mira ese chico, qué chulo va vestido!
Look at that guy, how cool his outfit is!
¡Qué chulo está tu bebé!
How cute your baby is!
Ese muchacho es muy chulo.
That boy is very handsome.
Examples
Tu hermano pequeño es muy lindo.
Your little brother is very cute.
papi
PAH-pee/ˈpa.pi/
Examples
¡Oye, papi, qué bien bailas!
Hey, handsome, you dance well!
¡Esa canción tiene ritmo! Muévete, papi.
That song has rhythm! Move it, handsome.
Mira qué carro trae ese papi.
Look what car that hot guy is driving.
Choosing Between 'Guapo' and Other Terms
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