Unpacking the Meaning of Handsome in Spanish: A Great Language Lesson

by Fransic verso
Published: Updated: 48 comments
Handsome in Spanish

When it comes to describing someone in Spanish, the word Handsome in Spanish carries a wealth of cultural connotations. In Spanish, the word “guapo” is used to refer to a handsome man or a beautiful woman.

While its variation “guapa” is used exclusively to refer to women. This subtle distinction reflects the traditional view of beauty held by Spanish-speaking cultures.

Whether you’re learning Spanish as a second language or you’re a native speaker.

Understanding the nuances behind words like Handsome in Spanish “guapo” and “guapa” is essential to accurately express yourself in the language.

In this blog post, I will take a closer look at the meaning of handsome in Spanish, as well as some other important Spanish words.

Essential Spanish Vocabulary to Start With

woman writing while reading.
Photo by George Milton

Building a strong foundation in Spanish starts with learning essential vocabulary.

By mastering these keywords and phrases, you’ll be able to communicate more effectively and confidently in the language.

Whether you’re a beginner or just need a refresher, here are some essential Spanish vocabulary words to start with. Important to say just like saying Handsome in Spanish.

  1. Saludos (Greetings):

    Begin any conversation with a friendly greeting. Common greetings in Spanish include.

    “Hola” (hello), “buenos días” (good morning), “buenas tardes” (good afternoon), and “buenas noches” (good evening or goodnight).
  2. Por favor (Please) and gracias (Thank you):

    Politeness goes a long way in any language. Use “por favor” when making a request.

    And “gracias” to show your appreciation. These words will help you navigate everyday interactions with native Spanish speakers.
  3. Sí (Yes) and no (No):

    These two simple words are essential for expressing agreement or disagreement.

    Whether you’re confirming a question or stating your opinion, “sí” and “no” are crucial for clear communication.
  4. Perdón (Excuse me) and disculpe (Excuse me):

    When you need to get someone’s attention or apologize, these words come in handy.

    “Perdón” is used to politely interrupt someone or ask for forgiveness, while “disculpe” is a more formal way to apologize.
  5. ¿Cómo estás? (How are you?):

    Show interest in someone’s well-being by asking “¿Cómo estás?” This phrase is a common way to start a conversation and shows that you care about the other person’s feelings.
  6. Me llamo (My name is):

    Introduce yourself with “me llamo” followed by your name. For example, “me llamo María” means “my name is María.” This simple phrase is essential for making connections and starting conversations.
  7. Números (Numbers):

    Learning numbers in Spanish is essential for everyday tasks such as telling time, ordering at a restaurant, or shopping.

    Start by mastering the numbers 1 to 10, and then gradually expand your knowledge to include higher numbers.
  8. Colores (Colors):

    Knowing basic colors will help you describe objects and express preferences.

    Some common colors in Spanish include “rojo” (red), “azul” (blue), “verde” (green), “amarillo” (yellow), and “blanco” (white).
  9. Comida (Food):

    Food is a universal language, and knowing the names of common dishes can enhance your culinary experiences in Spanish-speaking countries.

    Learn words like “arroz” (rice), “pollo” (chicken), “queso” (cheese), and “manzana” (apple) to navigate menus with ease.
  10. Tiempo (Weather):

    Discussing the weather is a great way to start small talk and connect with others.

    Familiarize yourself with words like “soleado” (sunny), “lluvioso” (rainy), “nublado” (cloudy), and “caliente” (hot) to describe different weather conditions.

A Closer Look at Common Spanish Adjectives

Adjectives are an essential part of any language, and Spanish is no exception. Before I talk about Handsome in Spanish.

It’s impotant to know that they allow us to describe people, objects, and situations in more detail, giving our conversations a richer and more nuanced meaning.

In this section, we will take a closer look at some common Spanish adjectives that can help you expand your vocabulary and express yourself more effectively.

Which is important we need to know before saying Handsome in Spanish.

  1. Alto(a) – Tall

    Whether you’re describing a person or an object, the word “alto(a)” is used to convey height.

    For example, “Juan es alto” means “Juan is tall.” Keep in mind that in Spanish.

    Adjectives must agree in gender with the noun they modify, so you would say “María es alta” to describe a tall woman.
  2. Bajo(a) – Short

    The opposite of “alto(a)” is “bajo(a),” which means short. So, if you want to describe someone who is not very tall, you can say “Pedro es bajo” or “Pedro is short.”

    Again, remember to match the gender of the adjective with the noun.
  3. Delgado(a) – Thin

    When talking about someone’s physical appearance, “delgado(a)” is used to describe someone who is thin.

    For example, “Elena es delgada” means “Elena is thin.” This adjective can also be used to describe objects, such as a thin book or a thin line.
  4. Gordo(a) – Fat

    On the other hand, if you want to describe someone who is on the heavier side, you can use the adjective “gordo(a).”

    For instance, “Carlos es gordo” means “Carlos is fat.” As always, adjust the adjective to match the gender of the noun.
  5. Joven – Young

    “Joven” is a versatile adjective that can be used to describe both people and things.

    When referring to age, it means young. For example, “Laura es joven” translates to “Laura is young.”

    Additionally, it can be used to describe a young plant, a young city, or any other noun that denotes youth.
  6. Viejo(a) – Old

    To describe someone or something as old, you can use the adjective “viejo(a).” For instance, “Miguel es viejo” means “Miguel is old.”

    This word can also be used to describe old books, old houses, or anything that conveys a sense of age.
  7. Bonito(a) – Pretty

    If you want to compliment someone on their appearance, you can use the word “bonito(a),” which means pretty.

    For example, “Ana es bonita” means “Ana is pretty.” This adjective can also be used to describe beautiful places or things.
  8. Feo(a) – Ugly

    On the other hand, if you want to express the opposite sentiment, you can use the adjective “feo(a),” which means ugly.

    For instance, “Roberto es feo” means “Roberto is ugly.” Remember to adjust the adjective to match the noun’s gender.
  9. Simpático(a) – Nice

Understanding the Meaning of Handsome in Spanish

using the laptop
Photo by Eren Li

When it comes to understanding the meaning of handsome in Spanish, it’s important to consider the cultural nuances and connotations that come with the word.

In Spanish, the word for “handsome” is “guapo” when referring to a man, and “guapa” when referring to a woman.

However, these words go beyond just physical attractiveness and hold deeper cultural significance.

More than just physical appearance

In Spanish-speaking cultures, the word Handsome in Spanish “guapo” is often associated with more than just physical appearance.

It can also imply qualities such as confidence, charm, and even bravery.

For example, if someone is described as “guapo,” Handsome in Spanish it means they possess a certain allure that goes beyond just their looks.

This cultural understanding of “guapo” is important to keep in mind when using the word in conversation, as it conveys more than just a superficial judgment of someone’s appearance.

On the other hand, the word “guapa” is exclusively used to describe beautiful women.

This distinction reflects the traditional view of beauty in Spanish-speaking cultures, where femininity and physical attractiveness are highly valued.

By understanding the difference between “guapo” and “guapa,” you can accurately express yourself and navigate conversations with native Spanish speakers.

When using the word handsome in Spanish, it’s important to note that context plays a significant role in determining its meaning.

While “guapo” is the most common translation for Handsome in Spanish it may not always be the most appropriate word to use.

Depending on the situation, other words such as “atractivo” (attractive) or “hermoso” (beautiful) may be more suitable.

FYI

It’s important to choose the right word based on the specific qualities you want to convey.

Express yourself more effectively

In addition to understanding the meaning of Handsome in Spanish, it’s essential to continue expanding your vocabulary and learning new words.

This will enable you to express yourself more effectively and accurately in conversations by saying Handsome in Spanish or any other wors mentioned.

Building a strong foundation in essential Spanish vocabulary will not only help you communicate more confidently but also deepen your understanding of the language and culture.

To further enhance your language learning journey, consider practicing Spanish pronunciation.

Mastering the correct pronunciation of words and sounds will not only make you more easily understood but also help you sound more natural and fluent.

Practice with native speakers or use online resources and apps that focus on pronunciation to fine-tune your skills.

Real-life situations

Lastly, embrace opportunities to practice and use your Spanish vocabulary in real-life situations. Like saying Handsome in Spanish.

Whether it’s through conversations with native speakers, reading books or articles in Spanish, or even watching Spanish movies and TV shows.

Immersing yourself in the language will greatly enhance your learning experience. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, as they are a natural part of the learning process.

Mastering Spanish Pronunciation: Tips and Tricks

astering Spanish pronunciation is a key aspect of becoming fluent in the language. It’s not just about saying Handsome in Spanish.

While grammar and vocabulary are important, pronunciation is what truly brings the language to life.

By paying attention to the sounds and rhythms of Spanish, you can improve your communication skills and sound more natural when speaking with native speakers.

Here are some tips and tricks to help you on your journey to mastering Spanish pronunciation:

  1. Listen and imitate:

    One of the best ways to improve your pronunciation is by listening to native speakers and imitating their speech.

    Whether it’s through podcasts, songs, or conversations with native speakers, try to mimic their intonation, stress, and rhythm.

    Pay attention to the way they pronounce certain sounds and practice replicating them.
  2. Break it down:

    Spanish pronunciation may seem intimidating at first, but breaking it down into smaller parts can make it more manageable.

    Focus on individual sounds, syllables, and words. Practice pronouncing them slowly and accurately before gradually increasing your speed.

    This will help you build a solid foundation for more complex words and phrases.
  3. Pay attention to vowel sounds:

    Vowels play a crucial role in Spanish pronunciation. Unlike English, Spanish has five pure vowel sounds: a, e, i, o, and u.

    Practice pronouncing these sounds clearly and consistently.

    Pay attention to differences in pronunciation, such as the distinction between the open “a” sound in “padre” (father) and the closed “a” sound in “gato” (cat).
  4. Master the “rr” sound:

    One of the most challenging aspects of Spanish pronunciation for non-native speakers is the “rr” sound.

    This rolling or trilling sound is essential in words like “perro” (dog) and “carro” (car).

    Practice rolling your tongue against the roof of your mouth to produce this sound. If you’re struggling, don’t worry – it takes time and practice to master.
  5. Focus on consonant sounds:

    Spanish has some consonant sounds that may be different from those in your native language.

    Pay special attention to sounds like “j” (pronounced like the English “h” sound), “ñ” (similar to the “ny” sound in “canyon”).

    And “b” and “v” (which are often pronounced the same way). Practice these sounds in isolation and in context to improve your overall pronunciation.
  6. Use tongue twisters:

    Tongue twisters are a fun and effective way to improve your pronunciation and diction. Challenge yourself with Spanish tongue twisters like “Tres tristes tigres tragan trigo en un trigal”

    (Three sad tigers eat wheat in a wheat field) or “El perro de San Roque no tiene rabo porque Ramón Rodríguez se lo ha robado”

    (San Roque’s dog has no tail because Ramón Rodríguez stole it). Repeat them slowly at first and gradually increase your speed.
  7. Get feedback:

    Practice with a native Spanish speaker or a language partner who can provide feedback on your pronunciation. They can correct any errors or help you fine-tune your accent.

Tips for Learning and Using Spanish Words

Learning and using Spanish words can be both exciting and challenging when trying to say Handsome in Spanish or any other words.

To help you on your language learning journey, here are some tips for effectively learning and using Spanish words.

  1. Immerse Yourself:

    One of the best ways to learn Spanish words is by immersing yourself in the language.

    Surround yourself with Spanish-speaking environments by listening to Spanish music, and watching movies or TV shows in Spanish.

    And engaging in conversations with native speakers. This constant exposure to the language will help you familiarize yourself with common Spanish words and phrases.
  2. Practice with Flashcards:

    Flashcards are a tried-and-true method for learning vocabulary in any language.

    Create your own flashcards or use online resources that provide premade sets of Spanish flashcards.

    Write the Spanish word on one side and the English translation on the other. Quiz yourself regularly to reinforce your memory and expand your Spanish vocabulary.
  3. Use Mnemonics:

    Mnemonics are memory devices that help you remember information more effectively.

    Create associations between Spanish words and their meanings by coming up with vivid mental images or memorable phrases.

    For example, to remember that “manzana” means “apple,” you could visualize a man wearing a zebra suit eating an apple.

    The more creative and personalized the mnemonic, the better it will help you remember Spanish words.
  4. Contextualize Words:

    When learning Spanish words, it’s essential to understand their usage and context.

    Instead of simply memorizing isolated words, learn them in meaningful phrases and sentences.

    This will help you grasp the correct usage of words and make them easier to recall in conversations.
  5. Practice Speaking:

    Speaking is a crucial aspect of language learning, especially when it comes to using Spanish words.

    Find opportunities to practice speaking Spanish, whether it’s with a language partner, a tutor, or even by talking to yourself.

    Practice using new vocabulary words in your conversations to reinforce their meaning and usage.

    The more you practice speaking, the more comfortable and confident you will become with using Spanish words.
  6. Read and Write:

    Reading and writing are excellent ways to expand your Spanish vocabulary and improve your understanding of how words are used in context.

    Read books, articles, and newspapers in Spanish to expose yourself to a wide range of vocabulary.

    Additionally, keep a journal or write short stories in Spanish to practice using words in your own writing.

    This will enhance your grasp of Spanish words and help you develop your language skills further.
  7. Use Language Learning Apps:

    There are numerous language learning apps available that can be a valuable resource for learning and using Spanish words.

    Apps like Duolingo, Babbel, and Memrise offer interactive exercises, vocabulary drills, and real-life examples that can help you learn and retain Spanish words more effectively.

    Take advantage of these apps to supplement your learning and make language learning more engaging.

Remember, learning Spanish words takes time and practice.

Might be one word like Handsome in Spanish. But be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress along the way.

With consistent effort and dedication, you’ll soon find yourself expanding your Spanish vocabulary and confidently using Spanish words in your conversations. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)

Conclusion

Thank you for reading until this point. I hope you found this helpful about saying Handsome in Spanish.

Learning Spanish is one of my favorite things and writing about it makes me feel better. I’m also learning and sharing what I learned.

Do you know before about how to say Handsome in Spanish? And what else do you know about the word Handsome in Spanish? Share with us about this post.

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48 comments

Jet Text August 27, 2023 - 4:37 am

I’ve been trying to learn Spanish for the last few years…and I’m still terrible at it haha. Cool post and some really good tips here for pronunciation thanks for sharing, gracias!

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Fransic verso August 28, 2023 - 12:03 am

Lol, trust me, I’m the same haha. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts with us.

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Under Flowery Sky September 4, 2023 - 5:04 am

Awesome perspective to learn Spanish, great tips.
It was so easy to get into Spanish while I was traveling to Mexico.

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Fransic verso September 5, 2023 - 1:15 am

Thank you for reading and commenting your thoughts about this post.

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Sheila September 4, 2023 - 5:40 am

I took a few years of Spanish in high school so when my husband and I started traveling years ago, I thought I would be good to go … not so much! My brain seems to want to stay in a slower speed than how fast people actually speak!

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Fransic verso September 5, 2023 - 1:14 am

Haha, well, it’s good you are trying on it. You can stay slower speed, no problem at all.

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Kirsten September 4, 2023 - 6:57 am

Great post!

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Fransic verso September 5, 2023 - 1:14 am

Thank you so much!

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Fadima Mooneira September 4, 2023 - 8:15 am

Wow!!! What a gaupo post. I enjoyed reading it. Spanish is a beautiful language to learn. Keep it up.

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Fransic verso September 5, 2023 - 1:12 am

Thank you so much! Indeed, Spanish is a beautiful language. Thank you for reading!

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Stephanie September 4, 2023 - 9:07 am

This brings back so many memories of my Spanish classes in high school and college. We didn’t go deep into the meaning of the words, but I do know those basic phrases and descriptive words!

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Fransic verso September 5, 2023 - 1:11 am

Thank you for reading and commenting your thoughts about this post.

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Christine September 4, 2023 - 12:11 pm

This is super interesting! I took Spanish for years in high school but didn’t realize there was so much context behind guapo/a and that it could also imply confidence. Thank you for sharing!

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Fransic verso September 5, 2023 - 1:10 am

That’s awesome, thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts with us.

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Victoria September 4, 2023 - 5:58 pm

Great read! A very thorough and well laid out article.

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Fransic verso September 5, 2023 - 1:08 am

I appreciate you reading and commenting!

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Tamara September 4, 2023 - 6:04 pm

Good read . I will be saving it . :)

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Fransic verso September 5, 2023 - 1:08 am

Awesome, thank you so much for reading!

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Valentina September 5, 2023 - 2:38 am

I have always wanted to learn how to speak Spanish and it is such a beautiful language. But I’m quite terrible at learning new languages LOL! Thank you for sharing!

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Fransic verso September 5, 2023 - 10:17 pm

Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts about this post.

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Richard Lowe September 5, 2023 - 3:47 am

I was married for 12 1/2 years to a woman who spoke Spanish, and never learned the language. Well, except for the curse words…

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Fransic verso September 5, 2023 - 10:17 pm

Hahaha, I see. Well, its good to learn it. Thank you for reading!

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Nikki Wayne September 5, 2023 - 4:15 am

This is a really great and very informative post! Thanks for sharing this with us

Reply
Fransic verso September 5, 2023 - 10:16 pm

Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts about this post.

Reply
Nikki Wayne September 5, 2023 - 4:28 am

Wow! This a really great and very informative article to read! Thanks for sharing this with us

Reply
Fransic verso September 5, 2023 - 10:16 pm

Thank you so much for reading and sharing your thoughts about this post.

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Debbie September 5, 2023 - 6:33 am

I’m enjoying your language posts. This one brought me back to college and helped brush up on my Spanish skills.

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Fransic verso September 5, 2023 - 10:15 pm

I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.

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Nyxie September 5, 2023 - 6:56 am

Spanish is a very similar language to Italian, something which I know a little about from when I was a child. Both a beautiful languages worth taking the time to learn.

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Fransic verso September 5, 2023 - 10:15 pm

Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.

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Olga September 5, 2023 - 8:56 am

Spanish sounds very nice. My son started school this year, and soon, he can pick a foreign language to study. We decided it would be Spanish. I can not wait; it gonna be fun!)

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Fransic verso September 5, 2023 - 10:15 pm

Thank you so much for reading and sharing your thoughts with us.

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Bright Snow Loveland September 5, 2023 - 10:50 am

Thanks for sharing.

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Fransic verso September 5, 2023 - 10:14 pm

Thank you for reading and sharing your feedback.

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Ntensibe Edgar September 5, 2023 - 12:27 pm

Hhhmmm….I am still a bit rusty on my pronunciation of Spanish. A little more imitation and reading will get it better, I am hoping!

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Fransic verso September 5, 2023 - 10:13 pm

Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.

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Renata Feyen September 5, 2023 - 2:15 pm

I know 4 languages – Dutch, English, German and French – I have a few words of Spanish that I understand or make my self understood, but no more

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Fransic verso September 5, 2023 - 10:08 pm

That’s amazing, would love to learn french. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.

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Sonia Seivwright September 5, 2023 - 3:10 pm

Unfortunately, I took French classes in School. However, I have been watching Spanish movies and series on Netflix, and I love them.

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Fransic verso September 5, 2023 - 10:08 pm

That’s awesome, glad that you love them. Thank you for reading!

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knycx journeying September 5, 2023 - 10:56 pm

A lot of commonly used and frequent phrases and appreciate your sharing I learned something new today. I love learning a new language and it was fun!

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Fransic verso September 7, 2023 - 9:16 pm

Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts about this post.

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Kat September 6, 2023 - 6:52 am

Loved how you explained the different meanings and cultural nuances. Keep exploring language and culture!

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Fransic verso September 7, 2023 - 9:16 pm

I’m glad to know that. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.

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Kimberley Asante September 6, 2023 - 4:08 pm

This was such a fun and informative read! I’ve always been intrigued by the beauty of the Spanish language, and learning how to say “handsome” as “guapo” adds a lovely touch. Can’t wait to sprinkle some Spanish charm on my next trip! Gracias for sharing this delightful language nugget!

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Fransic verso September 7, 2023 - 9:18 pm

Thank you so much! I appreciate you reading and sharing your thoughts about this.

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Monidipa September 6, 2023 - 5:03 pm

I seldom speak Spanish, but your post was incredibly informative! Your explanations of Spanish words and pronunciation tips were clear and helpful. I didn’t know much about saying “Handsome” in Spanish, but now I feel more knowledgeable. Great job!

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Fransic verso September 7, 2023 - 9:18 pm

Ah, That’s awesome, glad you found this informative. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.

Reply

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