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A2 adjective #1,500 よく出る 14分で読める

feo/a

Ugly, unattractive, or unpleasant to look at.

上位1,500

At the A1 beginner level, the adjective feo (and its feminine form fea) is introduced as a fundamental vocabulary word for basic physical descriptions. It is taught primarily as the direct opposite of words like bonito (pretty) or guapo (handsome). Learners at this stage focus on using the word to describe the visual appearance of everyday nouns, such as animals, objects, clothing, and places. The grammatical emphasis is heavily placed on mastering gender and number agreement, ensuring that the adjective matches the noun it modifies (e.g., el perro feo, la casa fea, los zapatos feos, las camisas feas). Students learn to construct simple sentences using the verb ser to state inherent characteristics, such as 'El monstruo es feo' (The monster is ugly). The vocabulary is kept concrete and literal, avoiding figurative or complex emotional uses. Exercises typically involve matching pictures to descriptions, filling in the blanks with the correct gendered form, and practicing basic pronunciation. The goal at this level is simply to provide learners with the necessary linguistic tools to express basic aesthetic judgments and to understand simple descriptive texts or spoken statements. Cultural nuances are generally not introduced yet, as the focus remains strictly on foundational grammar and vocabulary acquisition. By mastering this word early on, A1 students build a crucial building block for more complex descriptive language in the future.

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At the A2 elementary level, the usage of feo expands significantly beyond basic physical descriptions to include environmental observations and simple evaluations of situations. Learners are introduced to the critical distinction between the verbs ser and estar when used with this adjective. They learn that while 'ser feo' describes an inherent physical trait, 'estar feo' is used to describe temporary conditions, most notably the weather. Phrases like 'el día está feo' (the day is ugly/gloomy) or 'el clima está feo' become standard vocabulary for daily interactions. Furthermore, A2 students begin to encounter the word in its figurative sense, used to describe situations that are bad, problematic, or unpleasant, such as 'un problema feo' (an ugly/bad problem). This introduces the concept that the word can convey a negative evaluation that is not strictly visual. The grammar focus also expands to include the placement of the adjective before the noun for emphasis or subjective evaluation, though this is practiced in limited, highly structured contexts. Learners practice expressing their opinions and feelings about events and environments, using the word to articulate discomfort or dislike. Exercises at this level might involve describing a bad day, reacting to a minor crisis, or discussing weather forecasts, thereby integrating the vocabulary into more practical, real-world communicative scenarios.

At the B1 intermediate level, the adjective feo takes on a much more abstract and versatile role in the learner's vocabulary. Students are expected to confidently use the word to describe complex situations, emotional states, and interpersonal conflicts. A key introduction at this stage is the reflexive verb construction 'ponerse feo' (to get ugly/bad), which is frequently used to describe a situation that is deteriorating, becoming dangerous, or turning hostile (e.g., 'La discusión se puso fea'). This requires a solid understanding of reflexive verbs and changing states. Additionally, B1 learners begin to use the word to express moral judgments about behavior, learning phrases like 'está feo que mientas' (it's ugly/bad that you lie). This usage requires the integration of the subjunctive mood, marking a significant step up in grammatical complexity. The focus shifts from literal physical descriptions to nuanced evaluations of character, actions, and social dynamics. Students practice using the word in debates, storytelling, and expressing opinions on ethical dilemmas. They also learn to recognize and understand the word in various media contexts, such as news reports describing a 'fea situación económica' (ugly economic situation). The goal is to achieve a level of fluency where the word is used naturally as a broad descriptor for anything unpleasant, problematic, or socially unacceptable.

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At the B2 upper-intermediate level, learners are expected to wield the word feo with a high degree of precision, cultural awareness, and idiomatic fluency. The focus moves towards understanding and utilizing the word in specific social contexts and recognizing its subtle connotations. A major addition at this level is the noun usage of the word in idiomatic expressions, particularly 'hacer un feo a alguien' (to snub someone or reject a gesture). This requires an understanding of Spanish social etiquette and the linguistic mechanisms for describing social slights. B2 students also refine their use of the word in moral evaluations, using it to express strong disapproval of unethical or inappropriate behavior in complex professional or social scenarios. They learn to navigate the cultural sensitivities surrounding the word, understanding when it is appropriate to use directly and when euphemisms (like 'poco agraciado') are necessary to avoid giving offense. The vocabulary is integrated into advanced conversational practice, where students might discuss social faux pas, analyze character motivations in literature or film, or debate complex societal issues. The expectation is that the learner can use the word not just correctly, but naturally, employing the appropriate register and intonation to convey the exact shade of meaning intended, whether it be mild distaste or severe moral condemnation.

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At the C1 advanced level, the mastery of feo involves a deep appreciation of its literary, rhetorical, and highly idiomatic applications. Learners encounter the word in complex texts, literature, and formal discourse, where it is often used to create specific atmospheric effects or to underscore profound thematic elements. The focus is on recognizing the word's stylistic versatility, such as its use in litotes (e.g., 'no es nada feo' meaning it's actually quite good) or in highly evocative metaphorical descriptions. C1 students are expected to understand regional variations in the word's usage and to comprehend slang or colloquialisms derived from it across different Spanish-speaking countries. They practice incorporating the word into sophisticated arguments, using it to describe abstract concepts like 'una fea costumbre' (an ugly habit) or 'un feo vicio' (an ugly vice) with rhetorical flair. The grammatical structures surrounding the word are complex and varied, involving advanced subjunctive triggers, passive constructions, and nuanced prepositional phrases. At this level, the word is fully integrated into the learner's active vocabulary as a powerful tool for expressive, nuanced, and culturally rich communication, allowing them to articulate subtle shades of negativity, foreboding, or moral decay with the proficiency of an educated native speaker.

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At the C2 mastery level, the understanding of feo transcends mere vocabulary acquisition and enters the realm of deep sociolinguistic and etymological comprehension. Learners at this stage appreciate the historical evolution of the word from its Latin root 'foedus' (foul, repulsive) and how this historical weight influences its modern usage in formal and literary contexts. They possess an intuitive grasp of the word's register, seamlessly shifting between its use as a casual colloquialism in street slang and its deployment as a precise descriptor of moral turpitude in academic or philosophical discourse. C2 users can effortlessly manipulate the word in complex wordplay, irony, and sarcasm, understanding exactly how to modulate their tone to convey subtle layers of meaning. They are fully aware of the sociolinguistic implications of the word in different Hispanic cultures, knowing precisely how its impact varies across regions and social classes. The word is used not just to communicate, but to craft language, utilizing its phonetic qualities and semantic depth to enhance the aesthetic and rhetorical power of their speech and writing. At this pinnacle of language proficiency, the learner's relationship with the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly articulate native speaker, characterized by absolute precision, cultural resonance, and effortless adaptability.

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練習する例文メモとヒント

feo/a 30秒で

Literally means 'ugly' or physically unattractive.
Figuratively describes bad weather or difficult situations.
Used to judge rude or socially unacceptable behavior.
Must agree in gender and number with the noun.

The Spanish adjective feo, and its feminine counterpart fea, represents one of the most fundamental and frequently utilized descriptive words in the Spanish language, primarily functioning to articulate that something or someone is aesthetically displeasing, visually unattractive, or fundamentally unpleasant to observe. When learners first encounter this vocabulary word, it is almost exclusively in the context of physical appearance, serving as the direct antonym to words like bonito, hermoso, or guapo.

Literal Meaning: Refers directly to the lack of physical beauty or aesthetic appeal in people, animals, objects, or places.

However, restricting the definition of this word to mere physical ugliness would be a significant disservice to its expansive semantic range. In everyday Spanish communication, the term transcends visual aesthetics to encompass a wide array of negative, uncomfortable, or undesirable situations, behaviors, and atmospheric conditions.

El edificio abandonado en las afueras de la ciudad es realmente feo.

For instance, native speakers frequently employ this adjective to describe weather that is gloomy, stormy, or otherwise uninviting. When the sky darkens and rain threatens, a common observation is that the day has turned ugly. Beyond meteorological observations, the word is heavily utilized in the metaphorical evaluation of circumstances and interpersonal dynamics. A complicated problem, a dangerous neighborhood, or a tense negotiation can all be accurately described using this versatile adjective.

Figurative Usage: Describes situations that are dangerous, complicated, ethically questionable, or socially uncomfortable.

In these contexts, the word conveys a sense of foreboding, difficulty, or moral objection rather than any visual deficiency.

El asunto se puso muy feo durante la reunión de la junta directiva.

Furthermore, the term is deeply embedded in the moral and ethical vocabulary of the language. It is frequently used to reprimand bad behavior, especially in children, indicating that an action is rude, inappropriate, or socially unacceptable.

Está muy feo mentirle a tus padres sobre tus calificaciones.

This moral dimension highlights the word's capacity to express not just distaste, but active disapproval and societal judgment. The emotional weight of the word can vary significantly depending on the tone of voice, the specific context, and the relationship between the speakers.

Moral Connotation: Used to evaluate actions, attitudes, or words that violate social norms of politeness, fairness, or decency.

While calling a person this word directly is generally considered highly offensive and a severe breach of etiquette, using it to describe an inanimate object, a conceptual problem, or a past event is perfectly acceptable and commonplace in daily discourse. The versatility of this adjective makes it an indispensable tool for learners seeking to express a wide spectrum of negative perceptions, ranging from the literal to the highly metaphorical.

Me hizo un feo terrible al no invitarme a su boda.

As students progress in their language acquisition journey, mastering the nuanced applications of this seemingly simple word becomes crucial for achieving true fluency and cultural competence. It is a word that paints a vivid picture of displeasure, warning, or moral judgment, serving as a vital linguistic instrument for navigating the complexities of human interaction and environmental observation.

La herida tiene un aspecto muy feo y necesita atención médica inmediata.

Ultimately, understanding this term requires immersing oneself in authentic Spanish discourse to fully appreciate its depth and adaptability across various communicative scenarios.

Mastering the grammatical application of the adjective feo requires a comprehensive understanding of Spanish adjective agreement, syntax, and the critical distinction between the copular verbs ser and estar. As a standard descriptive adjective ending in the vowel 'o', it must strictly agree in both gender and number with the noun it modifies.

Gender Agreement: The ending changes to 'a' for feminine nouns, 'os' for masculine plural nouns, and 'as' for feminine plural nouns.

This means that a masculine singular noun requires feo, a feminine singular noun requires fea, a masculine plural noun requires feos, and a feminine plural noun requires feas.

Esos zapatos son muy feos para usarlos en una fiesta elegante.

The placement of the adjective within the sentence also plays a significant role in determining its precise meaning and rhetorical impact. When placed after the noun, which is the standard position for descriptive adjectives in Spanish, it provides an objective, literal description of physical ugliness. Conversely, placing the adjective before the noun often imbues the phrase with a more subjective, emotional, or figurative quality. For example, 'un asunto feo' (an ugly matter) emphasizes the problematic nature of the situation rather than any visual characteristic.

Nos enfrentamos a un feo problema financiero este trimestre.

Perhaps the most challenging aspect for learners is navigating the use of this adjective with the verbs ser and estar.

Ser vs Estar: Use ser for inherent, permanent characteristics. Use estar for temporary states, conditions, or subjective impressions of appearance.

Using ser implies an inherent, permanent, or defining characteristic. Saying 'el edificio es feo' means the building is fundamentally and permanently unattractive by design.

Ese cuadro abstracto es simplemente feo y carece de técnica.

On the other hand, using estar indicates a temporary state, a change in condition, or a subjective impression at a specific moment in time. Saying 'el cielo está feo' means the sky looks threatening or gloomy right now, not that the sky is inherently ugly. Furthermore, the verb ponerse (to become) is frequently paired with this adjective to describe a situation that is deteriorating, becoming dangerous, or turning hostile. 'La situación se puso fea' translates to 'the situation got ugly'.

Cuando empezaron a discutir, el ambiente se puso muy feo.

Additionally, the word can function as a noun in certain idiomatic expressions, such as 'hacer un feo a alguien', which means to snub, slight, or behave rudely toward someone.

Noun Usage: In specific idioms, the adjective acts as a noun to represent a rude action, a slight, or a social rejection.

Understanding these syntactic nuances and verb pairings is absolutely essential for deploying the word accurately and naturally in conversational Spanish.

No le hagas ese feo a tu abuela, acepta su regalo.

By paying close attention to agreement, placement, and the accompanying verb, learners can elevate their descriptive capabilities and express complex evaluations with precision and cultural authenticity.

The adjective feo permeates virtually every domain of spoken and written Spanish, from the most casual street conversations to formal literary texts, demonstrating a remarkable sociolinguistic adaptability. In everyday domestic life, it is a constant presence when discussing aesthetics, evaluating purchases, or commenting on the physical environment.

Domestic Contexts: Frequently used at home to describe unappealing clothing, poorly decorated rooms, or unappetizing food presentations.

You will frequently hear family members using it to express distaste for a particular piece of clothing, a piece of furniture, or even the presentation of a meal.

Ese sofá viejo es tan feo que deberíamos tirarlo a la basura.

Beyond the home, the word is a staple in social interactions, particularly when discussing interpersonal dynamics and social etiquette. When someone commits a faux pas, acts selfishly, or displays bad manners, observers will readily label the behavior as such, using the word to deliver a swift and unambiguous moral judgment. This usage is particularly prevalent in the rearing of children, where parents and educators use the term to clearly demarcate the boundaries of acceptable behavior.

Es muy feo pelear con tus hermanos por un juguete.

Furthermore, the word is ubiquitous in discussions about the weather and the natural environment. A dark, stormy sky, a muddy street after a heavy rain, or a generally bleak landscape are all prime candidates for this descriptor.

Meteorological Usage: A standard way to describe bad, threatening, or unpleasant weather conditions across all Spanish-speaking regions.

In professional and news contexts, the word frequently appears in its figurative sense to describe crises, scandals, or deteriorating situations. Journalists and commentators might refer to a political scandal as 'un asunto feo' or describe a violent protest by saying 'la situación se puso fea'.

El panorama económico se presenta bastante feo para el próximo año.

This highlights the word's capacity to convey gravity and concern without resorting to overly formal or technical vocabulary. The term also features prominently in popular culture, literature, and idiomatic expressions. The classic fairy tale 'The Ugly Duckling' translates directly to 'El patito feo', cementing the word's association with themes of transformation and hidden beauty. In sports commentary, a poorly executed play or a brutal foul might be described using this adjective, emphasizing the lack of grace or sportsmanship.

Sports and Entertainment: Used to describe ungraceful movements, brutal fouls, or generally poor performances that lack aesthetic appeal.

Fue una entrada muy fea y el árbitro le sacó la tarjeta roja.

Ultimately, whether you are listening to a casual conversation in a café, watching a dramatic telenovela, or reading a serious news report, you are guaranteed to encounter this versatile adjective. Its widespread usage across different registers and contexts makes it an essential component of the Spanish learner's active vocabulary, providing a simple yet powerful tool for expressing a wide range of negative evaluations.

La verdad es que la película me pareció bastante fea y aburrida.

Familiarity with these diverse contexts is key to understanding the true depth and utility of the word.

Despite its apparent simplicity, the adjective feo presents several common pitfalls for Spanish learners, primarily stemming from grammatical nuances, cultural sensitivities, and semantic overlap with other negative descriptors. The most frequent and foundational error involves the failure to ensure proper gender and number agreement with the noun being modified.

Agreement Errors: Forgetting to change the ending to match the gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) of the noun.

Because English adjectives do not change form, English speakers often default to the masculine singular form regardless of the noun's properties. Saying 'la casa es feo' instead of the correct 'la casa es fea' is a classic beginner mistake that immediately marks the speaker as a novice.

Las cortinas nuevas son muy feas, no combinan con la sala.

Another significant area of difficulty lies in the choice between the copular verbs ser and estar. Learners frequently use ser when estar is required, and vice versa, fundamentally altering the intended meaning of the sentence. For instance, saying 'el clima es feo' implies that the climate of a region is permanently bad, whereas 'el clima está feo' correctly conveys that the weather is currently unpleasant.

Hoy el día está muy feo, parece que va a llover a cántaros.

Furthermore, learners often struggle with the figurative applications of the word, inappropriately substituting it with words like 'malo' (bad) or 'difícil' (difficult) when a native speaker would naturally use the target word to describe a deteriorating situation.

Semantic Confusion: Overusing 'malo' for situations that native speakers would typically describe as 'feo' (e.g., a tense argument).

For example, while 'una situación mala' is grammatically correct, 'una situación fea' is often more idiomatic when describing a tense or dangerous scenario.

El divorcio se volvió un proceso muy feo y doloroso para todos.

Culturally, a major mistake is the blunt application of the word to describe people directly to their faces or in polite company. In many Spanish-speaking cultures, directness regarding physical appearance can be perceived as exceptionally rude. Learners should be aware that native speakers often employ euphemisms, diminutives (like feíto), or litotes (like 'no muy agraciado') to soften the blow when discussing physical attractiveness.

Cultural Insensitivity: Using the word too bluntly to describe people, which can cause offense and damage social relationships.

Finally, learners sometimes misinterpret the idiomatic noun usage, such as 'hacer un feo'. Translating this literally as 'to make an ugly' leads to confusion; it must be understood as a holistic phrase meaning 'to snub'.

Fue un error hacerle ese feo al director de la empresa.

By consciously addressing these common errors—focusing on agreement, verb choice, idiomatic phrasing, and cultural tact—learners can significantly improve their accuracy and sound much more natural when utilizing this essential descriptive adjective.

Es feo que hables a espaldas de tus amigos.

Mastery comes from observation and practice in context.

To truly enrich one's Spanish vocabulary and achieve a higher level of fluency, it is essential to understand the nuances and subtle distinctions between feo and its various synonyms. While the target word serves as the most common and versatile descriptor for ugliness or unpleasantness, the Spanish language offers a rich tapestry of alternative adjectives that convey different intensities, specific contexts, and emotional registers.

Horrible: Conveys a much stronger sense of ugliness or badness, often implying that something inspires horror, dread, or intense disgust.

When something transcends mere visual unattractiveness and enters the realm of the truly appalling, native speakers will often escalate to words like horrible or espantoso.

El accidente de tráfico que vimos en la carretera fue verdaderamente feo y horrible.

These terms carry a heavier emotional weight and are frequently used to describe terrifying situations, catastrophic events, or objects that are grotesquely deformed. Another closely related term is desagradable, which translates directly to 'unpleasant'. While the target word often implies a visual or moral judgment, desagradable focuses more on the sensory or emotional discomfort caused by a person, object, or situation.

Desagradable: Focuses on the feeling of unpleasantness or discomfort, often used for smells, tastes, textures, or rude personalities.

A person might not be physically unattractive, but their rude behavior could make them desagradable.

Tuvimos una discusión muy fea y desagradable esta mañana.

For describing physical appearance with more tact and diplomacy, learners should familiarize themselves with phrases like poco atractivo (unattractive) or poco agraciado (ungraceful/plain).

Poco Atractivo: A polite, formal, and diplomatic way to say that someone or something lacks beauty, avoiding the harshness of the direct translation.

These euphemisms are crucial for maintaining politeness in social situations where directness would be considered offensive.

El diseño del nuevo coche es un poco feo y poco atractivo para el mercado joven.

In colloquial contexts, especially in Spain, you might hear the word cutre to describe something that is not only ugly but also cheap, poorly made, or sleazy. In Latin America, regional slang provides numerous colorful alternatives, such as gacho in Mexico, which can mean ugly, bad, or uncool depending on the context.

Ese comportamiento es muy feo y totalmente inaceptable en esta oficina.

Understanding this spectrum of vocabulary allows learners to express themselves with greater precision, tailoring their language to the specific situation, the intensity of their feelings, and the required level of formality.

La tormenta dejó un paisaje feo y desolador a su paso.

By expanding beyond the basic descriptor, students can paint more accurate and evocative pictures with their words, demonstrating a deeper mastery of Spanish semantics.

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レベル別の例文

El perro de mi vecino es muy feo.

The dog of my neighbor is very ugly.

Uses 'ser' for an inherent physical characteristic and agrees in masculine singular.

La bruja del cuento tiene una nariz fea.

The witch in the story has an ugly nose.

'Fea' agrees with the feminine singular noun 'nariz'.

No me gusta este color, es feo.

I don't like this color, it is ugly.

Used with 'ser' to express a permanent opinion about an object's attribute.

Los zapatos viejos son feos y están sucios.

The old shoes are ugly and dirty.

Agrees in masculine plural 'feos' with 'zapatos'.

Esa casa abandonada es muy fea.

That abandoned house is very ugly.

Agrees in feminine singular 'fea' with 'casa'.

El dibujo del niño es un poco feo.

The child's drawing is a little ugly.

Used with the modifier 'un poco' to soften the description.

Las cortinas de la sala son feas.

The living room curtains are ugly.

Agrees in feminine plural 'feas' with 'cortinas'.

El monstruo debajo de la cama es feo.

The monster under the bed is ugly.

Basic sentence structure Subject + ser + adjective.

Hoy el clima está muy feo, va a llover.

Today the weather is very ugly, it's going to rain.

Uses 'estar' to describe a temporary weather condition.

Tuvimos un problema feo con el coche ayer.

We had an ugly problem with the car yesterday.

Used figuratively to mean 'bad' or 'difficult'.

Ese es un feo hábito que debes cambiar.

That is an ugly habit that you must change.

Placed before the noun 'hábito' for subjective emphasis.

La herida en su brazo se ve fea.

The wound on his arm looks ugly.

Uses the reflexive verb 'verse' (to look) with the adjective.

Es feo hablar con la boca llena de comida.

It is ugly to speak with your mouth full of food.

Used to express a basic moral or etiquette judgment.

El cielo se está poniendo feo.

The sky is getting ugly.

Uses 'ponerse' to indicate a changing state or condition.

Tuvimos una pelea fea y no nos hablamos.

We had an ugly fight and we aren't speaking.

Describes a situation as unpleasant or severe.

El sabor de esta medicina es muy feo.

The taste of this medicine is very ugly (bad).

Used to describe a bad sensory experience (taste).

La situación política se ha puesto muy fea últimamente.

The political situation has gotten very ugly lately.

Uses the present perfect of 'ponerse' to describe a deteriorating abstract situation.

Me parece muy feo que no hayas invitado a tu hermano.

It seems very ugly to me that you haven't invited your brother.

Triggers the subjunctive 'hayas invitado' to express an emotional judgment.

Es un asunto feo que prefiero no discutir en público.

It's an ugly matter that I prefer not to discuss in public.

Uses 'asunto feo' as a collocation for a delicate or scandalous topic.

El panorama económico pinta feo para las pequeñas empresas.

The economic outlook looks ugly for small businesses.

Uses the colloquial verb 'pintar' (to look/appear) with the adjective.

No te pongas feo conmigo, yo no tengo la culpa.

Don't get ugly with me, it's not my fault.

'Ponerse feo' used to mean becoming hostile or aggressive.

La tormenta dejó un paisaje feo y desolador.

The storm left an ugly and devastating landscape.

Used alongside another strong adjective to paint a vivid picture.

Fue un gesto muy feo de su parte ignorarnos así.

It was a very ugly gesture on his part to ignore us like that.

Describes a specific action as rude or socially unacceptable.

Aunque el diseño es feo, la máquina funciona perfectamente.

Although the design is ugly, the machine works perfectly.

Used in a concessive clause with 'aunque'.

Le hizo un feo terrible al rechazar su regalo delante de todos.

He did a terrible ugly thing (snubbed) to her by rejecting her gift in front of everyone.

Uses the noun phrase 'hacer un feo' meaning to snub or slight someone.

Está muy feo que la empresa despida a los trabajadores sin previo aviso.

It is very ugly that the company fires the workers without prior notice.

Impersonal expression 'está feo que' followed by the present subjunctive 'despida'.

El debate tomó un cariz feo cuando empezaron los insultos personales.

The debate took an ugly turn when the personal insults started.

Advanced vocabulary 'tomar un cariz feo' (to take an ugly turn).

Es una fea costumbre la de interrumpir a los demás cuando hablan.

It is an ugly habit to interrupt others when they speak.

Adjective placed before the noun 'costumbre' to emphasize the negative judgment.

A pesar de su fea apariencia, el edificio alberga un interior lujoso.

Despite its ugly appearance, the building houses a luxurious interior.

Used in a formal prepositional phrase 'a pesar de'.

Se vio envuelto en un feo escándalo de corrupción que arruinó su carrera.

He was involved in an ugly corruption scandal that ruined his career.

Collocation 'feo escándalo' to describe a severe public relations crisis.

No quería hacerle el feo, así que me comí todo el plato aunque no me gustaba.

I didn't want to snub her, so I ate the whole plate even though I didn't like it.

Definite article used in the idiom 'hacerle el feo'.

Las negociaciones se pusieron feas y el acuerdo estuvo a punto de fracasar.

The negotiations got ugly and the agreement was about to fail.

Describes a complex professional situation deteriorating.

El cariz que tomaban los acontecimientos era francamente feo y presagiaba lo peor.

The turn the events were taking was frankly ugly and foreshadowed the worst.

Literary phrasing using 'cariz' and the adverb 'francamente' to intensify the adjective.

Semejante feo desaire diplomático no podía pasar desapercibido en la cumbre.

Such an ugly diplomatic slight could not go unnoticed at the summit.

Advanced syntax using 'semejante' and placing the adjective before the noun 'desaire'.

La novela expone las feas verdades de una sociedad consumida por la avaricia.

The novel exposes the ugly truths of a society consumed by greed.

Metaphorical use describing abstract concepts ('verdades').

Incurrió en el feo vicio de la murmuración, ganándose la antipatía de sus colegas.

He fell into the ugly vice of gossiping, earning the antipathy of his colleagues.

Formal vocabulary ('incurrió', 'vicio', 'murmuración') elevating the register of the word.

Es de muy feo estilo apropiarse de los méritos ajenos en el ámbito académico.

It is of very ugly style to appropriate the merits of others in the academic field.

Idiomatic formal expression 'es de muy feo estilo' to denote poor professional etiquette.

La herencia desató una fea disputa legal que fracturó a la familia para siempre.

The inheritance unleashed an ugly legal dispute that fractured the family forever.

Collocation 'fea disputa' used in a formal narrative context.

Afrontar esa fea realidad requería un valor del que en ese momento carecía.

Facing that ugly reality required a courage that he lacked at that moment.

Abstract usage highlighting the psychological weight of a situation.

El crítico destrozó la obra, calificándola de un feo pastiche sin originalidad.

The critic destroyed the work, calling it an ugly pastiche without originality.

Used as a sharp, evaluative descriptor in an intellectual context.

La fealdad intrínseca de sus actos contrastaba agudamente con su pulcra apariencia.

The intrinsic ugliness of his acts contrasted sharply with his neat appearance.

Uses the noun form 'fealdad' derived from the adjective for philosophical contrast.

Cometió la fea torpeza de mencionar al difunto en medio de la celebración.

He committed the ugly blunder of mentioning the deceased in the middle of the celebration.

Combines the adjective with a noun denoting a social error ('torpeza') in a high register.

Bajo esa pátina de civilidad, se escondía un feo entramado de corrupciones y chantajes.

Under that patina of civility, hid an ugly framework of corruption and blackmail.

Metaphorical and literary usage describing complex systemic issues.

El feo asunto fue silenciado rápidamente por las altas esferas del poder.

The ugly matter was quickly silenced by the upper echelons of power.

Classic journalistic/literary collocation used in a passive construction.

Su prosa, desprovista de artificios, retrataba la fea crudeza de la posguerra.

His prose, devoid of artifices, portrayed the ugly rawness of the postwar period.

Used to enhance the sensory impact of abstract nouns ('crudeza').

Resulta feo, por no decir deleznable, que se lucren con la desgracia ajena.

It is ugly, not to say despicable, that they profit from the misfortune of others.

Used in a rhetorical escalation ('por no decir') to express profound moral outrage.

Aquel feo revés de la fortuna lo sumió en una profunda melancolía.

That ugly reversal of fortune plunged him into a deep melancholy.

Literary phrasing describing fate or destiny.

No hay nada más feo que la soberbia intelectual disfrazada de falsa modestia.

There is nothing uglier than intellectual arrogance disguised as false modesty.

Philosophical statement using the comparative structure 'nada más feo que'.

よく使う組み合わせ

muy feo

un poco feo

ponerse feo

hacer un feo

asunto feo

clima feo

costumbre fea

situación fea

gesto feo

palabra fea

よく使うフレーズ

está feo que

se puso feo

hacer el feo

un asunto feo

qué feo

verse feo

sonar feo

un día feo

una fea costumbre

el patito feo

よく混同される語

feo/a vs malo

feo/a vs sucio

feo/a vs difícil

慣用句と表現

間違えやすい

feo/a vs

文型パターン

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使い方

literal

Used to describe physical unattractiveness.

colloquial

Very common in daily speech to express general distaste.

figurative

Used to describe bad situations, weather, or moral failings.

よくある間違い

Saying 'el casa es feo' instead of 'la casa es fea' (gender agreement error).
Using 'es feo' to describe bad weather instead of 'está feo' (ser vs estar error).
Calling a person 'feo' directly to their face, which is culturally highly offensive.
Translating 'to make an ugly' literally instead of understanding the idiom 'hacer un feo' (to snub).
Using 'feo' when 'malo' (poor quality) is more appropriate for an object that doesn't work well.

ヒント

Always Check Agreement

Before you say or write 'feo', look at the noun it describes. Is it masculine or feminine? Singular or plural? Make sure to change the ending to -o, -a, -os, or -as accordingly. This is the most common mistake beginners make.

Use Estar for Weather

When talking about the weather, always use 'estar' (está feo). Weather changes, so it is a temporary state. Using 'ser' (es feo) sounds very unnatural to native speakers when describing a rainy day.

Be Careful with People

Avoid calling people 'feo' directly. It is considered much harsher in Spanish than 'ugly' might be in some English contexts. If you must describe someone negatively, use 'no es muy guapo' or 'es poco atractivo'.

Learn 'Ponerse Feo'

Memorize the phrase 'ponerse feo' to describe situations getting out of hand. It makes you sound much more fluent than just saying 'la situación es mala'. It perfectly captures the tension of an escalating problem.

Play with Placement

Try putting 'feo' before the noun when you want to sound more poetic or emphasize your subjective opinion. 'Un feo problema' sounds more serious and emotionally weighted than 'un problema feo'.

Expand Your Synonyms

Don't just rely on 'feo'. If something is truly terrifyingly ugly, use 'horrible' or 'espantoso'. If a person's behavior is just unpleasant, use 'desagradable'. Varying your vocabulary shows advanced proficiency.

Listen for the Noun Form

Pay attention to native speakers using 'un feo' as a noun, as in 'me hizo un feo'. This is a very common idiom for a social snub. Recognizing it will prevent confusion in social contexts.

Use it as an Exclamation

You can use '¡Qué feo!' all by itself as a reaction. If someone tells you a sad story, a gross fact, or shows you a bad picture, saying '¡Qué feo!' is a perfectly natural and empathetic response.

Ser vs Estar with Objects

Remember that 'el sofá es feo' means the sofa is inherently ugly in design. 'El sofá está feo' means it looks ugly right now, perhaps because it is dirty or worn out. Choose your verb carefully.

Use 'Fealdad' in Formal Writing

If you are writing an essay or a formal text, use the noun 'fealdad' (ugliness) to discuss the concept abstractly. It elevates the register of your writing significantly compared to just using the adjective.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of someone saying 'FEE-oh' when they smell something bad or see something ugly.

語源

Latin

文化的な背景

In Spain, you might hear 'cutre' used alongside 'feo' to describe something that is not only ugly but also cheap or poorly made.

In Mexico, 'gacho' is a very common slang alternative that means ugly, bad, or uncool.

In Argentina, 'fulero' is a colloquial term often used to mean ugly or of poor quality.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

会話のきっかけ

"¿Crees que este cuadro es feo o es arte moderno?"

"¿Por qué crees que el clima se puso tan feo hoy?"

"¿Alguna vez te has encontrado en una situación muy fea?"

"¿Qué opinas, está feo que no le haya comprado un regalo?"

"¿Cuál es el edificio más feo de tu ciudad?"

日記のテーマ

Describe the ugliest object you own and why you keep it.

Write about a time when a situation 'se puso fea' (got ugly).

Explain a behavior that you consider 'muy feo' in society.

Describe a day when the weather was completely 'feo'.

Write a short story about an 'ugly duckling' scenario.

よくある質問

10 問

Yes, but it is considered very direct and often rude. In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone 'feo' to their face is a severe insult. Native speakers usually prefer euphemisms like 'poco agraciado' or use the diminutive 'feíto' to soften the impact. It is much safer to use 'feo' for objects, animals, or situations.

Weather is a temporary condition, not a permanent characteristic of the sky or the day. In Spanish, the verb 'estar' is used for temporary states and conditions. Therefore, 'está feo' correctly conveys that the weather looks bad right now, whereas 'es feo' would imply the climate is permanently ugly.

The phrase 'ponerse feo' literally translates to 'to become ugly', but it is used figuratively to describe a situation that is deteriorating, becoming dangerous, or turning hostile. For example, if an argument escalates into a fight, you would say 'la discusión se puso fea'. It is a very common colloquial expression.

The idiom 'hacer un feo a alguien' means to snub, slight, or behave rudely toward someone. It usually involves rejecting a gesture of goodwill, like refusing a gift or ignoring an invitation. For example, 'No le hagas un feo a tu abuela' means 'Don't snub your grandmother'.

Yes, 'feo' is a standard adjective that must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. It becomes 'fea' for feminine singular nouns, 'feos' for masculine plural nouns, and 'feas' for feminine plural nouns. For example: el perro feo, la casa fea, los perros feos, las casas feas.

Yes, while adjectives usually go after the noun in Spanish, placing 'feo' before the noun shifts its meaning from a literal physical description to a subjective or figurative evaluation. For example, 'un asunto feo' means an ugly or problematic matter, emphasizing the speaker's negative judgment of the situation.

The core meaning of 'ugly' is universal. However, the figurative uses and frequency can vary. In some regions, slang words might replace it in casual conversation (like 'gacho' in Mexico or 'cutre' in Spain). But 'feo' will always be understood perfectly everywhere.

The noun form of 'feo' is 'fealdad'. It is used to refer to the abstract concept of ugliness. For example, 'La fealdad del edificio es evidente' means 'The ugliness of the building is obvious'. It is a more formal word than the adjective.

Yes, 'feo' is frequently used to describe unpleasant sensory experiences beyond just sight. You can say 'huele feo' (it smells bad) or 'sabe feo' (it tastes bad). In these contexts, it functions similarly to the English word 'bad' or 'nasty'.

'Feo' primarily refers to aesthetics (ugly) or unpleasant situations, while 'malo' refers to poor quality, evil, or incorrectness (bad). While they can overlap (a bad situation can be 'una situación mala' or 'una situación fea'), 'feo' often carries a more visual or visceral sense of distaste.

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