Spread the Joy: How to Give Compliments in Spanish (And Sound Like a Pro!)


Giving a compliment is one of the easiest ways to brighten someone's day, make a new friend, or even strengthen a relationship. But when you're speaking a different language, it can be tough to move beyond the basics like "you are nice." Learning a few well-chosen Spanish compliments can help you connect with people on a deeper level and show that you appreciate them in a genuine way.

This guide will give you a range of compliments, from praising someone's appearance to their personality or skills, so you can sound more natural and confident.

Complimenting Appearance

These phrases are perfect for telling someone they look great. Be mindful of the context and who you are speaking to. For a more formal or professional setting, a general compliment on someone's outfit might be more appropriate than a comment on their eyes.

  • ¡Qué guapo/guapa! (keh GWAH-poh/GWAH-pah) - You look handsome/beautiful! (Use guapo for a male, guapa for a female.) This is a very common and friendly way to compliment someone.

  • Te ves muy bien. (teh vehs mooy bee-EHN) - You look very good. This is a versatile and polite compliment.

  • Me encanta tu camisa/vestido. (meh ehn-KAHN-tah too kah-MEE-sah/vehs-TEE-doh) - I love your shirt/dress. This is a safe and easy way to compliment someone's style.

  • Tienes una sonrisa muy bonita. (TYEH-nehs OO-nah sohn-REE-sah mooy boh-NEE-tah) - You have a very beautiful smile.

  • Tu peinado es muy bonito. (too pey-NAH-doh ehs mooy boh-NEE-toh) - Your hairstyle is very nice.

Complimenting Personality and Character

These are some of the most meaningful compliments you can give, as they show you notice someone's inner qualities.

  • Eres una persona increíble. (EH-rehs OO-nah pehr-SOH-nah een-kreh-EE-bleh) - You are an incredible person.

  • Eres muy amable. (EH-rehs mooy ah-MAH-bleh) - You are very kind. A simple but powerful compliment.

  • Qué buena gente eres. (keh BWEH-nah HEN-teh EH-rehs) - You are a good person. This is a very common and heartfelt compliment in many Spanish-speaking countries.

  • Me haces reír. (meh AH-sehs rreh-EER) - You make me laugh. Everyone loves to hear this!

  • Eres muy divertido/divertida. (EH-rehs mooy dee-vehr-TEE-doh/dee-vehr-TEE-dah) - You are very fun. (Use divertido for male, divertida for female.)

Complimenting Skills and Achievements

When you want to praise someone's work, talent, or effort, these phrases will come in handy.

  • ¡Qué bien cocinas! (keh bee-EHN koh-SEE-nahs) - You're a great cook!

  • ¡Hablas muy bien el español! (AH-blahs mooy bee-EHN ehl ehs-pah-NYOHL) - You speak Spanish very well! This is a great compliment to give to a fellow language learner.

  • Eres muy inteligente. (EH-rehs mooy een-teh-lee-HEN-teh) - You are very intelligent.

  • Trabajas muy duro. (trah-BAH-has mooy DOO-roh) - You work very hard.

  • Tienes mucho talento. (TYEH-nehs MOO-choh tah-LEHN-toh) - You have a lot of talent.

  • ¡Buen trabajo! (bwehn trah-BAH-hoh) - Good job! A simple and effective phrase for any situation.

How to Respond to a Compliment

Knowing how to accept a compliment gracefully is just as important as giving one.

  • Gracias. (GRAH-see-ahs) - Thank you. The most common and polite response.

  • Muchas gracias. (MOO-chas GRAH-see-ahs) - Thank you very much.

  • ¡Qué amable! (keh ah-MAH-bleh) - How kind!

  • Tú también. (too tahm-bee-EHN) - You too. (If the compliment is reciprocal, like "You look great.")

Remember, the key to a good compliment is sincerity. Use these phrases when you truly mean them, and you'll build stronger connections with the people you meet. ¡Buena suerte!