Did you know that the word ‘cute’ is used in some Latin American countries to describe something adorable? Yes, it’s true! But if you want to impress the locals and show off your Spanish skills, then this list of 10 different ways to say ‘cute’ in Spanish is just what you need. So, keep reading and pick your favorite way to express cuteness!
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
Here are the most common ways to say ‘cute’ in Spanish:
- Lindo = cute
- Adorable = adorable
- Chulo = cute (colloquial)
- Encantador = charming
- Bonito = pretty
- Chulo (colloquial) = cute
- Precioso = lovely / beautiful
- Majo (Spain) = cute
- Cuco (Colombia and Mexico) = cute
- Mono (colloquial) = cute
- Tierno = cute
1. Lindo – Cute
‘Lindo’ is one of the most common ways to say ‘cute’ in Spanish. It’s a versatile word that can also mean ‘nice’ and ‘pretty’. For example, “Esa bolsa está tan linda!” means “That purse is so cute!” So, next time you see something adorable, use ‘lindo’ to show your appreciation.
2. Adorable – Adorable
Yes, you read it right. ‘Adorable’ is spelled the same way in both Spanish and English, but the pronunciation is a bit different. In Spanish, it’s said like ‘ah-doh-rah-bleh’. So, if you want to describe something or someone as adorable, use ‘adorable’ in your Spanish conversations.
3. Chulo – Cute (Colloquial)
‘Chulo’ is an extremely popular expression in Latin America to describe something or someone adorable. Interestingly, it comes from the Italian word ‘fanciullo’, which means ‘child’. In Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, or Puerto Rico, ‘chulo’ can also be used as a synonym for ‘handsome’. For example, “¡Está chulo como él solo!” means “He’s cute as a button!”
4. Encantador – Charming
‘Mi novio tiene una sonrisa encantadora’ means ‘My boyfriend has a charming smile’. Just like in English, ‘encantador’ is the equivalent of ‘charming’ in Spanish. So, if you want to describe someone or something as charming, ‘encantador’ is the word to use.
5. Bonito – Pretty
‘Bonito’ is a cutesy way to say both ‘pretty’ and ‘cute’ in Spanish. For example, ‘Qué bonito vestido’ means ‘That’s a cute dress’. It’s a versatile word that can be used to describe anything from clothes to places. Just remember that adjectives in Spanish agree in gender with the noun they’re modifying.
6. Chulo (Colloquial) – Cute
As mentioned earlier, ‘chulo’ is an extremely popular expression in Latin America to describe something or someone adorable. So, next time you want to compliment someone, say ‘chulo’ and make their day. “La hija de mis amigos se veía muy chula en su vestido de cumpleaños” means “My friend’s daughter looked so cute in her birthday dress.”
7. Precioso – Lovely / Beautiful
‘Precioso’ is another common way to say ‘cute’ in Spanish. It translates to ‘lovely’ or ‘beautiful’ in English. For example, ‘¡Pero qué preciosa se ve tu bebé con su traje de osito!’ means ‘Just look at how precious your baby looks in her teddy bear suit!’ So, if you want to describe something or someone as lovely or beautiful, use ‘precioso’ in your Spanish conversations.
8. Majo (Spain) – Cute
In Spain, the word ‘majo’ is used to describe ‘nice’ behavior, a ‘good-looking’ person, and anything ‘pretty’. So, if you’re visiting Spain and come across something cute, just say it’s ‘majo’. For example, ‘Sin duda alguna, su esposa es la más maja del pueblo’ means ‘Without a doubt, his wife is the most beautiful woman in town.’
9. Cuco (Colombia and Mexico) – Cute
‘Cuco’ is quite versatile across the Spanish-speaking world. In some parts of Colombia and Mexico, it’s used as a synonym for ‘cute’. For example, ‘Te ves muy cuco de traje!’ means ‘You look very cute in a suit!’ So, next time you want to compliment someone’s appearance, use ‘cuco’.
10. Mono (Colloquial) – Cute
‘Mono’ means ‘monkey’ in Spanish, but as an adjective, it can also be used to describe something as cute. For example, if someone asks you why you got wet, you can reply, ‘Me había arreglado muy mona para venir’ which means ‘I dolled myself up before coming out’. So, next time you want to describe something as cute, get creative and use ‘mono’.
Tierno – Cute
Finally, ‘tierno’ means ‘tender’ in English, but it’s also commonly used to say ‘cute’. It’s especially used when talking about something sweet, soft, and lovable. Just remember not to use it as a synonym for ‘handsome’, as it may lead to some confusion. So, next time you see a baby or a puppy, say ‘tierno’ and melt everyone’s hearts.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know these 10 different ways to say ‘cute’ in Spanish, you’ll be able to express cuteness in any situation. Start with the more general terms like ‘lindo’ and then expand your vocabulary to include the more local alternatives. And if you want to improve your conversational skills even further, check out our article on the different ways to say ‘what’s wrong’ in Spanish. ¡Hasta la próxima!
