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How to Describe Physical Appearance in Spanish

By Frederic Bibard Published:

4 min read

Learn useful Spanish words and phrases for describing physical appearance, with gender forms and natural examples.

On this pageHow to Describe Physical Appearance in SpanishLet’s take a look at some examplesCheck out some more resources

Here are Spanish words and phrases for describing appearance. Adjectives ending in -o/-a change to agree with the person described: alto/alta, rubio/rubia. Some adjectives, such as joven and elegante, do not change form for gender. Descriptions of weight, disability, or attractiveness can sound blunt; choose them with care.

How to Describe Physical Appearance in Spanish

  • English WordSpanish Translation
  • attractiveatractivo/a
  • beautifulhermoso/a
  • blondrubio/a
  • fatgordo/a
  • cute / prettylindo/a
  • plumprellenito/a (informal)
  • prettybonito/a
  • shortbajo/a
  • slimdelgado/a
  • smallpequeño/a
  • strongfuerte
  • tallalto/a
  • skinnyflaco/a
  • uglyfeo/a
  • weakdébil
  • baldcalvo/a
  • black haircabello negro
  • fair-hairedrubio/a
  • brown haircabello castaño
  • curly haircabello rizado
  • dark-haired or tan-skinnedmoreno/a (depends on context)
  • dark haircabello oscuro
  • greying haircabello canoso
  • handsomeguapo
  • has a limpcojea
  • light haircabello claro
  • long haircabello largo
  • has an amputationtiene una amputación
  • medium heightde estatura media
  • muscularmusculoso/a
  • has sight in one eyeve con un solo ojo
  • overweightcon sobrepeso
  • palepálido/a
  • plain-lookingpoco atractivo/a
  • redheadpelirrojo/a
  • scruffydesaliñado/a
  • short haircabello corto
  • slenderesbelto/a
  • has strabismustiene estrabismo
  • stoutcorpulento/a
  • straight haircabello lacio
  • tannedbronceado/a
  • tinymuy pequeño/a
  • well-builtfornido/a
  • oldermayor
  • youngjoven
  • obese (clinical)obeso/a
  • braidtrenza
  • ponytailcola de caballo
  • beardbarba
  • birthmarkmarca de nacimiento
  • frecklepeca
  • molelunar
  • moustachebigote
  • scarcicatriz
  • sideburnspatillas
  • tattootatuaje
  • wartverruga
  • wrinklearruga
  • elegantelegante

Let’s take a look at some examples

  • Es una rubia guapa. She is a beautiful blonde.
  • Tiene el pelo rizado y una sonrisa encantadora. They have curly hair and a charming smile.
  • José es bajo y delgado. José is short and slim.
  • María es pelirroja y lleva el pelo largo. María is redheaded and has long hair.
  • Todavía somos jóvenes, así que vamos a aprovecharlo al máximo. We’re still young so let’s make the most of it.
  • Lleva una chaqueta elegante. They are wearing an elegant jacket.

Check out some more resources

Want similar lists of Spanish vocabulary? Check out the following:

100 Common Spanish Adjectives

115 Spanish Words to Describe Character and Personality

A Quick and Simple Guide to Spanish Adjectives

Your turn!

You have just learned how to describe physical appearance in Spanish. Try describing yourself using the listed vocabulary.

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