What does the Spanish word chula mean?
According to Dictionary and Spanish Dict, the word chula, also commonly seen as mami chula, is a Spanish slang term of endearment that means “cute” or “beautiful.” This term is exclusively used for women, as it ends in a feminine “a.” The male equivalent of the term chula is chulo, also commonly seen as papi chulo which means pimp daddy. The feminine form of the term chula could be even further reduced to chulita, which means “little cutie,” according to Urban Dictionary. Chulita makes use of the diminutive suffix -ita for the word chula, which is used to make words into a smaller version or cuter version of themselves. People might refer to an attractive woman whose name they do not know as la chula, or muy chula.
In different Spanish-speaking countries, the word chula can mean different things. For example, in Spain, the word chula is considered an insult and is used to call a woman lower-class or back-alley. In Chile, the word chula is a slang term for penis! However, in most Latin American countries like Mexico, the word chula means cute or pretty. This word does not only have to refer to beautiful women, but places or father feminine nouns as well. There is even a Southern California city called Chula Vista near San Diego, which directly translates to beautiful view.
The word chula became popular in the late 90s and early 2000s, when Katino rappers like Chrisopher Rios began using them in song lyrics. For example, in Puerto Rican Rios’ song “Piña Colada,” he raps that all of the “mami chulas” want to ride on his Honda scooter, which is his way to brag that he gets many attractive women.
Overall, the word chula is considered a very informal common way to call someone attractive. One should be careful when using a term like this, as some can find it demeaning or sexualizing, and it can mean different things in different countries. Thus, one should only refer to someone else as a chula or a mami chula if they know that person is going to be okay with it and won’t feel demeaned or insulted.
How can the word chula be used in a sentence?
The word chula can be used in many different circumstances. This is a very casual, informal term so one should avoid using it in formal or professional context. It is not an appropriate term to call your coworker at the Christmas party, but could be an appropriate term to call your girlfriend on the dance floor. When in doubt, opt for a phrase with less sexual undertones. In this example, it is Maria’s birthday and her fiancé Ricardo has planned a night out for the two of them. Maria comes downstairs in a stunning dress.
Ricardo: Vaya. Te ves increíble.
(English – Ricardo: Wow. You look amazing.)
Maria: Gracias. Tú también.
(English – Maria: Thank you. So do you.)
Ricardo: ¿Estás lista para tu sorpresa, mami chula?
(English – Ricardo: Are you ready for your surprise, cutie?)
María: ¡Por supuesto!
(English – Maria: Of course!)
Ricardo: Estamos comenzando la noche en tu restaurante de carnes favorito, reservé una cabaña para nosotros en el club para que puedas bailar con todo tu corazón, y luego tengo un postre casero esperándonos cuando lleguemos a casa.
(English – Ricardo: We are starting the night off at your favorite steakhouse, I booked a cabana for us at the club so you can dance your heart out, and then I have a homemade dessert waiting for us when we get home.)
María: Eres increíble.
(English – Maria: You’re amazing.)
Here, Ricardo uses the term mami chula as a term of endearment to refer to his girlfriend. This is the Spanish equivalent of calling someone cutie, sweetheart, or any other romantic slang term. Ricardo should ensure to only use the term chula and mami chula to refer to someone he is romantically involved with, or if he was single, a woman that he finds attractive. Maria would not be very happy if Ricardo referred to a celebrity or another woman at the bar as a mami chula!
What are English synonyms for the word chula?
There are many different ways that someone can call someone pretty or attractive in both English and Spanish. In Spanish, some synonyms for chula include chica, chiquita, mami, or mamacita. In English, there are also a plethora of synonyms for chula. Synonyms are words that mean the same thing as a given word or phrase. One might choose to use a synonym in this situation if they are in a situation or location where Spanish is not commonly spoken, or if they fear being misunderstood. If someone is in doubt, they should use the English term, particularly if they are fearful if insulting or demeaning someone. This list of synonyms for chula is provided by Thesaurus.
- cutie
- raving beauty
- centerfold
- bathing beauty
- angel
- dish
- sexpot
- peach
- fox
- pin-up
- hot dish
- bunny
- dream girl
- cupcake
- babe
- glamour girl
- true love
- beauty queen
- good-looking woman
- dollface
- dreamboat
- broad
- tomato
- cutie-pie
- chick
- sex kitten
- sex bunny
- honey
- hot number
- cover girl
Overall, the word chula means cute or pretty. This word is exclusively used to refer to something that is attractive and feminine, whether that is a woman or another faminine know, like Chula Vista, which means “beautiful view.” This word is often used in the term mami chula, which directly translates to “pretty mama” but is used as a term of endearment for a beautiful woman.
Sources:
- https://www.dictionary.com/e/translations/chula/#:~:text=Chula%20is%20Spanish%20slang%20for,chula%20(%22hottie%22).
- https://www.spanishdict.com/answers/128160/what-is-a-chula
- http://www.chulavistaconvis.com/abouts/about.aspx#:~:text=About%20Chula%20Vista%2C%20California,Bay%20and%20coastal%20mountain%20foothills.https://www.thesaurus.com/browse/cutie
Kevin Miller is a growth marketer with an extensive background in Search Engine Optimization, paid acquisition and email marketing. He is also an online editor and writer based out of Los Angeles, CA. He studied at Georgetown University, worked at Google and became infatuated with English Grammar and for years has been diving into the language, demystifying the do's and don'ts for all who share the same passion! He can be found online here.
FAQs
What does the word Chula means? ›
Chula is Spanish slang for “cute” or “a beautiful woman,” often seen in mami chula (“hottie”).
What is another word for Chula? ›There are many different ways that someone can call someone pretty or attractive in both English and Spanish. In Spanish, some synonyms for chula include chica, chiquita, mami, or mamacita.
Does chula mean in Spanish? ›¡Qué chido! is an expression that you might have heard before. The direct English translation is how cool or that's cool and luckily you don't think about how the context could change its meaning. We use it to express a positive opinion about the situation.
Can I call a guy Chula? ›Chulo / Chula
Meaning cutie, this one is used on children, adults, men and women equally. Something that is commonly said is “qué chula” which means “how cute.”
Chulo or chula can also be used to say that something is cool or nice. It is mostly used in Mexico; however, it can be heard throughout Latin America.
What does chula mean kiss? ›(slang) to make out; to kiss passionately.
What is the Mexican slang for hot girl? ›ricura {f} [LAm.]
What does hola chula mean in Spanish? ›hi, baby (colloquial)
How do you say woman in Spanish slang? ›"Woman" or "Girl" in Spanish
The word for woman is “mujer.” The plural word of women is mujeres. It's pronounced “moo-HEH-rehs.” The slang word for a woman is “chica.” There are other words with negative connotation, but it is best not to use them.
ˈchülə plural -s. India. : a small earthen or brick stove.
What does Chula mean in Honduras? ›
chula [adj/f] ES. cute.
What is chula body part in English? ›/kūlhā/ mn. hip countable noun. Your hips are the two areas or bones at the sides of your body between the tops of your legs and your waist.
Is chula a compliment? ›chulo/chula
In Mexican Spanish, chulo/chula is the word you're looking to use if you find something (or someone, but in a kind, non-sexual nor romantic way) really pretty. Use it to compliment a part of someone's outfit or to tell someone you think they look cute today.
goodnight chula" would be "goodnight cutie". chula = cute.
How do you say cool in Spanish slang? ›Chido/a is a Mexican adjective meaning “awesome” or “cool”. It's used the same the way you would use guay in Spain. For example: Es un vato chido – He's a cool guy!
What are the different types of Chula? ›The Hindi word 'chula' means a fire place or stove for cooking. Some of the smokeless chulahs are magan chulah, gujarat chulah, nada chulah and Dr. S.P. Raju's chulah.
What is the Spanish slang for hot woman? ›hot woman is mujer caliente.
How do you say cute girl in Spanish slang? ›Chula. In some Spanish speaking countries, 'Chula' is another way to say 'cute' or 'pretty'. Although it can be similar to the Spanish word 'linda', 'Chula' can be used to express that a girl is beautiful. What is this?
Does Papi mean kiss? ›They Show Affection
That is, it's affectionate when combined with butt wiggles and other signals of happiness. For example, when you come home after a long day at work, your dog wants to say “Hi Mom! I'm so excited you're home!” Then, the doggie kisses are a natural show of affection.
countries, including Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Chile, a greeting consists of a single "air kiss" on the right cheek. Peruvians also "air kiss," but strangers will simply shake hands.
What do Mexicans call cute girls? ›
Bonito / Bonita – “Pretty” or “Nice”
Bonito / bonita also means “beautiful”, but it's not quite as strong as bello. It's closer to “pretty” or “nice”. This adjective is more common than bello and, like bello, can describe anything – not just a person.
- Hermosa / Hermoso – Beautiful. A common way to say “You are beautiful” in Spanish. ...
- Bella / Bello – Pretty. ...
- Bonita / Bonito – Pretty or Nice. ...
- Preciosa / Precioso – Gorgeous or Precious. ...
- Guapa / Guapo – Handsome. ...
- Linda / Lindo – Lovely. ...
- Adorable – Adorable. ...
- Atractivo / Atractiva – Attractive.
kiludo {adj.}
What is the female version of Papi? ›Who uses Papi? In Latinx culture, the feminine mami is used just as regularly as papi, though it's less common to see it used by English speakers, and mami can come across as offensive to women if used incorrectly; it can be perceived as a catcall.
What does Chula Hermosa mean? ›1. ( colloquial) (general) (Mexico) beautiful girl.
Is Mamacita a compliment? ›Mamacita is a Spanish term that means "little mother" or "hot mom." It is often used as a term of endearment or affection for a woman who is a mother, particularly a younger or attractive mother.
How do you say poor thing in Spanish for a girl? ›In Spanish “Pobrecito” translates roughly to “poor thing” or “poor baby” and it is an appropriate word to use to show empathy with an endearing connotation.
What is a respectful way to call a woman in Spanish? ›Some Spanish-speaking people consider it polite to call every woman señorita. Regardless of age or marital status, some apply this title to every female they meet.
How do you say you are beautiful in Spanish to a woman? ›Hermoso/a – Gorgeous
The translations of hermoso/a include “beautiful,” “gorgeous,” and “nice.” La hermosura is a noun that means “beauty.” In some countries, this word might be considered a bit formal. For a romantic gentleman (or woman), this word is ideal. Eres hermosa.
Chulo/Chula
People use it to refer attractive women all the time. “Mami chula” is something you'll hear in the Dominican Republic often, although many a Dominicana doesn't appreciate it. Chulo and chula can be used as terms of endearment too, especially between couples.
What do Spanish call India? ›
indio, (de los indios)
What does Chupa mean in mean? ›You see, “chupa” or “chupar” translates as “suck” or “to suck” in Spanish, and can be used as a slang term for a notably rude act.
What is three body parts in Spanish? ›The most commonly used words for body parts in Spanish are:
(the) head — (la) cabeza. (the) hair — (el) pelo. (the) neck — (el) cuello. (the) chest — (el) pecho.
Borrowed from Latin corpus (“body”).
How do you say friend in Mexican slang? ›If you're studying Spanish, you probably know that amigo is the word for 'friend.
How do you say drunk in Mexican slang? ›Estar borracho/a (to be drunk)
Estar borracho/a, estar pedo/a (literally to be fart), estar jarra (literally to be jar or pitcher), estar tomado/a (literally to be taken) are all expressions that imply to be drunk.
The Spanish Verb for “to Flirt”: Coquetear
(If you need a refresher on different types of Spanish verbs, you can read more in our Spanish verb conjugation guide.) Coquetear has a synonym: flirtear. It's borrowed from the English “to flirt”, which makes it pretty easy to remember.
badass {adjective}
chingón {adj. m} [Mex.] [vulg.]
Spanish-speaking folks won't miss any opportunity to echar los perros (Venezuelan slang for flirting).
How do you call a girl cute in Mexico? ›
- Hermosa / Hermoso – Beautiful. A common way to say “You are beautiful” in Spanish. ...
- Bella / Bello – Pretty. ...
- Bonita / Bonito – Pretty or Nice. ...
- Preciosa / Precioso – Gorgeous or Precious. ...
- Guapa / Guapo – Handsome. ...
- Linda / Lindo – Lovely. ...
- Adorable – Adorable. ...
- Atractivo / Atractiva – Attractive.
Say “hermosa mujer.” This means “beautiful woman” in Spanish. To say “beautiful girl,” you would say "niña hermosa."
Why does my boyfriend call me chula? ›chulo/chula
In Mexican Spanish, chulo/chula is the word you're looking to use if you find something (or someone, but in a kind, non-sexual nor romantic way) really pretty. Use it to compliment a part of someone's outfit or to tell someone you think they look cute today.
Claim your inner "chingona", a Spanish term for "badass woman"
What do Dominicans call their girlfriend? ›Jeva/jevo
Your sweet little jeva/jevo is your girlfriend/boyfriend. It's an affectionate term.