el guapo

Definition & meaning

1. Handsome or good-looking: Describes an attractive person, especially a man. It can also mean “pretty” when used in the feminine form.
2. Nice or cool: In informal Spanish, especially in Spain, it can describe something attractive or impressive.
3. Brave or tough: In some regions, it can describe someone bold or willing to fight.

Grammar & Word origin

Guapo is an adjective. It agrees with the noun in gender and number: guapo, guapa, guapos, guapas.

Its origin is uncertain; it may be related to Latin vappa, meaning “worthless wine” or, figuratively, “a worthless person.”

Synonyms & antonyms

• atractivo ↗ — “attractive”; broader and somewhat more formal.
• hermoso ↗ — “beautiful” or “handsome”; often stronger or more literary.
• valiente ↗ — “brave”; a synonym only in the sense of courage.
• feo ↗ — “ugly”; the opposite in the sense of physical appearance.
• cobarde ↗ — “cowardly”; the opposite in the sense of bravery.

Common phrases & collocations

• ponerse guapo ↗ — to make oneself look good or dress up.
• ¡qué guapo! ↗ — “How handsome!” or, informally, “How cool!”