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A1 adjective #3,500 mais comum 9 min de leitura

delgado

Top 3,500

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas delgado em 30 segundos

Explicação delgado in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'delgado' is one of the first adjectives you learn to describe people. It is essential for basic introductions and describing family members or friends. You learn it alongside 'alto' (tall), 'bajo' (short), and 'gordo' (fat). At this stage, the focus is on simple subject-verb-adjective sentences like 'Yo soy delgado' or 'Mi perro es delgado'. You also learn to change the ending to 'delgada' for women. It's a foundational word for building your descriptive vocabulary. You use it primarily for physical appearance and to distinguish between different people in a group. It is a 'safe' word because it is polite and easy to pronounce. Learners at this level should practice the agreement between the noun and the adjective, ensuring they don't say 'el gato delgada'. Simple comparisons like 'más delgado' might also be introduced toward the end of this level.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'delgado' in more complex sentences and with a wider range of verbs. You start to understand the difference between 'ser delgado' (to be naturally thin) and 'estar delgado' (to look thin right now, perhaps due to weight loss). You also learn the comparative and superlative forms: 'Él es más delgado que su padre' (He is thinner than his father) or 'Ella es la más delgada de sus hermanas'. You might also start using 'delgado' to describe objects, like 'un libro delgado' or 'una tela delgada'. The diminutive 'delgadito' becomes part of your receptive vocabulary, as you hear native speakers use it to sound more affectionate. You are expected to use the word accurately in stories or when describing past events, such as 'Cuando era niño, yo era muy delgado'.

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By B1, you use 'delgado' with more nuance and in more varied contexts. You can use it to describe not just people and objects, but also abstract concepts like 'una delgada línea' (a thin line/fine line) between two ideas. You start to use adverbs of degree more frequently, such as 'extremadamente delgado', 'ligeramente delgado', or 'bastante delgado'. In this level, you also become more aware of the social implications of the word and might choose 'delgado' over 'flaco' to be more formal or respectful in professional environments. You can describe processes, such as 'cortar el pan en rebanadas delgadas', and you are comfortable using the word in the subjunctive mood: 'No creo que él sea tan delgado como dices'. Your ability to use 'delgado' in a paragraph to provide detailed descriptions is a key marker of this level.

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At the B2 level, 'delgado' is used fluently in both formal and informal discussions. You are expected to understand its use in idiomatic expressions or more literary descriptions. You can discuss health, fashion, and social standards using 'delgado' as a benchmark. You might encounter it in news articles or technical texts, such as describing 'una capa delgada de ozono' (a thin layer of ozone). You also understand the stylistic choice of placing the adjective before the noun in literature to create a certain mood, though it remains rare. At B2, you should be able to explain the difference between 'delgado', 'esbelto', and 'menudo' to others, showing a deep grasp of Spanish synonyms. You can use it in hypothetical situations: 'Si fuera más delgado, me compraría esa ropa'.

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At the C1 level, 'delgado' is used with precision in academic and professional writing. You recognize its Latin roots and how it relates to words like 'delicadeza'. You can use it to describe subtle differences in textures, materials, or scientific observations. In literature, you appreciate how 'delgado' can be used metaphorically to describe a voice ('una voz delgada') or a hope ('una delgada esperanza'). You are fully aware of the regional variations in the use of 'delgado' vs. 'flaco' across the Spanish-speaking world. Your use of the word is effortless, and you can integrate it into complex grammatical structures, including long-winded sentences with multiple clauses. You might use it in critiques of art or fashion with high-level vocabulary surrounding it.

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At the C2 level, 'delgado' is just one of many tools in your vast linguistic arsenal. You use it with the intuition of a native speaker, knowing exactly when it is the most appropriate word versus more obscure synonyms like 'macerado' or 'enjuto'. You can participate in high-level debates about body image and language, using 'delgado' to discuss societal norms. You understand the historical evolution of the word and can identify it in classical Spanish literature where it might have had slightly different connotations. In professional translation or high-level creative writing, you use 'delgado' to achieve the perfect tone and rhythm. You are also familiar with very specific technical uses in fields like metallurgy or chemistry where 'láminas delgadas' might refer to specific scientific phenomena.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

delgado em 30 segundos

Delgado means thin or slender and is the polite way to describe a person's lean body type in Spanish.
It must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies: delgado, delgada, delgados, delgadas.
It is used for both people (thin body) and objects (thin layer, thin pencil, thin slice).
It is usually used with 'ser' for permanent traits and 'estar' for temporary appearances or changes.

The Spanish adjective delgado is the primary, polite way to describe someone as thin, slender, or lean. Unlike some English synonyms that might carry a negative connotation, delgado is generally neutral and often considered the 'proper' term to use in social, medical, or formal settings. It originates from the Latin word delicatus, which originally meant 'delicate' or 'alluring,' eventually evolving into the physical description of having little body fat or a narrow frame. In modern Spanish, it serves as the standard counterpart to gordo (fat), though it is much more frequently used in polite conversation than its antonym. When you are describing a person's physique, delgado suggests a healthy or natural thinness. It is important to distinguish it from flaco, which can sometimes imply being 'skinny' in a way that looks less healthy, although in many Latin American countries, flaco is used quite casually as a term of endearment. However, if you are a student of Spanish aiming for a respectful and accurate vocabulary, delgado is your safest and most versatile choice.

Physical Appearance: Used to describe humans and animals that have a lean body composition. Example: 'Mi hermano es muy delgado porque corre maratones.'
Object Thickness: Used for objects that have a small diameter or width, such as a pencil, a branch, or a book. Example: 'Usa un pincel delgado para los detalles.'
Food Consistency: Refers to the thinness of slices or the low-viscosity of liquids in specific culinary contexts. Example: 'Corta el jamón en lonchas delgadas.'

El modelo que aparece en la revista es bastante delgado.

Furthermore, delgado must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. You will use delgada for feminine singular nouns, delgados for masculine plural, and delgadas for feminine plural. This grammatical agreement is crucial for sounding natural. For instance, if you are talking about a group of girls, you would say 'Ellas son delgadas.' If you are talking about a thin book (un libro), you say 'El libro es delgado.' This versatility makes it a cornerstone of A1-level descriptive vocabulary. Beyond physical traits, delgado can also appear in technical contexts, such as 'capa delgada' (thin layer) in science or construction. Understanding this word allows you to navigate everything from a clothing store (requesting 'telas delgadas' for summer) to a doctor's office. It is a word that balances precision with politeness, ensuring you can describe the world around you without causing offense or sounding overly colloquial.

Prefiero usar un papel delgado para calcar el dibujo.

Sus dedos largos y delgados se movían rápido sobre el piano.

Using delgado correctly involves understanding its placement and its agreement with nouns. In Spanish, adjectives usually follow the noun they describe. For example, 'un hombre delgado' (a thin man). However, for emphasis or in poetic contexts, it can occasionally precede the noun, though this is rare for this specific adjective. Most commonly, it is used with the verb ser to describe an inherent characteristic or a long-term physical state. 'Ella es delgada' implies that being thin is part of her natural build. If someone has lost weight recently, you might hear estar used: 'Estás más delgado hoy' (You look thinner today), which focuses on the change or current state rather than a permanent trait. This distinction between ser and estar is a fundamental part of mastering Spanish descriptions.

With 'Ser' (Permanent): Mi primo siempre ha sido muy delgado. (My cousin has always been very thin.)
With 'Estar' (Temporary/Change): Después de la dieta, Jorge está muy delgado. (After the diet, Jorge is very thin.)

Esa línea delgada en el mapa representa el río.

When comparing people or things, delgado works with the standard comparative structures: más delgado que (thinner than) and menos delgado que (less thin than). For example, 'Este lápiz es más delgado que aquel.' In the superlative form, you use el/la más delgado/a. 'Ella es la más delgada de la clase.' Another interesting usage is the diminutive delgadito. Adding -ito makes the word sound more affectionate or emphasizes that someone is very small and thin in a cute way. This is very common in family environments or when talking to children. Conversely, to emphasize extreme thinness in a more formal or intense way, you might use the absolute superlative delgadísimo. 'El cristal es delgadísimo, ten cuidado de no romperlo.'

Los tallos de estas flores son muy delgados.

You will encounter delgado in a wide variety of real-life scenarios, ranging from the mundane to the professional. In a clothing store, a sales assistant might describe a fabric as delgado to indicate it is lightweight and suitable for summer. 'Esta camisa es de un algodón muy delgado.' In a medical setting, a doctor discussing health and BMI will use delgado to describe a patient's weight class in a professional, non-judgmental manner. In the world of art and design, delgado is used to describe brushstrokes, lines in a drawing, or the profile of a modern piece of furniture. It is also a common surname in Spanish-speaking countries, so you might hear it as a proper name: 'El señor Delgado.' This ubiquity makes it an essential word to recognize in both spoken and written Spanish.

In the Kitchen: 'Corta el queso en láminas delgadas.' Chefs use it to specify the precision of a cut.
In Fashion: 'Las modelos delgadas suelen llevar este tipo de vestidos.' It describes the body type the clothes are designed for.

El paciente está demasiado delgado para su estatura.

On television or in movies, characters are often described by their physical traits to help the audience visualize them. A narrator might say, 'Era un hombre alto y delgado, con una mirada penetrante.' In news reports, especially those regarding technology, you'll hear delgado used to describe the latest gadgets. 'El nuevo teléfono es mucho más delgado y ligero que el modelo anterior.' This usage mirrors the English use of 'slim' or 'thin' in tech marketing. Even in nature documentaries, you might hear about 'ramas delgadas' (thin branches) where birds nest. Because it lacks the harshness of some synonyms, it is the default choice for media and literature when a neutral physical description is required.

Este reloj tiene una correa muy delgada y elegante.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is using fino when they mean delgado. While fino can mean 'thin' in terms of quality or texture (like 'fine silk' or 'a fine line'), it is rarely used to describe a person's body. Calling a person 'fino' usually means they are 'refined' or 'sophisticated,' not that they lack body fat. Another mistake is the confusion between delgado and flaco. While they are often interchangeable, flaco can be perceived as more critical or blunt. In some contexts, calling someone flaco is like calling them 'scrawny.' If you want to be safe and respectful, stick with delgado. Additionally, learners often forget the gender agreement, saying 'Ella es delgado' instead of 'Ella es delgada.' Always check the gender of the person or object you are describing.

Delgado vs. Fino: Use 'delgado' for people and general physical thickness. Use 'fino' for quality, elegance, or very delicate textures.
Delgado vs. Estrecho: 'Estrecho' means 'narrow' (like a street). 'Delgado' means 'thin' (like a person or a slice of bread).

Incorrect: El papel es muy flaco. Correct: El papel es muy delgado.

Another subtle mistake involves the use of the word débil (weak). Sometimes learners confuse being thin with being weak. While delgado describes a physical shape, it doesn't imply a lack of strength. A marathon runner is delgado but very strong. Avoid using the words interchangeably. Finally, pay attention to the pluralization. When describing multiple items, the 'o' changes to 'os' and the 'a' to 'as'. Forgetting this is a hallmark of beginner speech. 'Los cables son delgados' is correct; 'Los cables son delgado' is not. By mastering these nuances, you avoid the common pitfalls that make your Spanish sound 'foreign' or 'clunky'.

Spanish offers a rich palette of words to describe 'thinness,' each with its own nuance. Delgado is the most neutral. If you want to be more descriptive or convey a specific 'vibe,' you might choose one of its synonyms. Esbelto is a very positive alternative, meaning 'slender' or 'willowy,' often implying grace and good posture. It's the kind of word used in fashion or to compliment someone's figure. On the other hand, flaco is the common, everyday word for 'skinny.' While it can be neutral, it is often more informal. Menudo refers to someone who is small and thin, often used for people with a petite frame. Understanding these differences allows you to be much more precise in your descriptions.

Esbelto: Positive connotation. Implies a tall, elegant, and fit thinness. 'La bailarina tiene un cuerpo esbelto.'
Flaco: Informal. Can be used for 'skinny'. In some regions, it's a nickname for friends. '¡Oye, flaco, ven aquí!'
Demacrado: Negative connotation. Means 'emaciated' or 'gaunt,' usually due to illness or hunger. 'Se ve demacrado tras la enfermedad.'

Aunque es delgado, es un atleta muy fuerte.

For objects, you might use fino or estrecho. Fino is great for layers, threads, or delicate items like porcelain. Estrecho is used for spaces that are narrow, like a hallway or a street. If you are talking about food, like a 'thin' sauce, you might use líquido or aguado if it's too thin. By choosing the right word, you show a deeper mastery of the language. Instead of just saying everything is 'delgado,' you can specify if it's 'esbelto' (elegant) or 'menudo' (petite). This variety makes your Spanish sound more native and expressive.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The English word 'delicate' and the Spanish word 'delgado' share the same Latin root, though they have evolved to describe different physical attributes.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /delˈɡaðo/

US /delˈɡadoʊ/

The stress is on the second syllable: del-GA-do.

Rima com

pesado cansado dibujado lado estado cuidado llamado pasado

Erros comuns

Pronouncing the 'd' too hard (like the English 'd' in 'dog').
Forgetting to change the ending to 'a' for feminine nouns.
Misplacing the stress on the first syllable.
Pronouncing the 'g' like a 'j' (it should be hard 'g').
Not softening the second 'd' between vowels.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 1/5

Very easy to recognize and understand in text.

Escrita 2/5

Requires attention to gender and number agreement.

Expressão oral 2/5

The soft 'd' sounds can be tricky for English speakers.

Audição 1/5

Clearly pronounced and common in speech.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

alto bajo gordo ser estar

Aprenda a seguir

esbelto adelgazar complexión rasgos fino

Avançado

enjuto demacrado magro esmirriado

Gramática essencial

Adjective Agreement

Las niñas (f. pl.) son delgadas (f. pl.).

Ser vs Estar with Adjectives

Él es delgado (natural) vs. Él está delgado (reciente).

Superlative Formation

Añadir -ísimo: delgadísimo.

Diminutive Formation

Añadir -ito: delgadito.

Comparative Structure

Más + delgado + que.

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Exemplos por nível

Mi hermano es muy delgado.

My brother is very thin.

Masculine singular agreement.

La gata es delgada.

The cat (female) is thin.

Feminine singular agreement.

Yo soy un niño delgado.

I am a thin boy.

Use of 'soy' for a permanent trait.

Tengo un lápiz delgado.

I have a thin pencil.

Describing an object.

Mis amigos son delgados.

My friends are thin.

Masculine plural agreement.

Tu hermana es delgada.

Your sister is thin.

Possessive adjective + feminine agreement.

El libro es delgado.

The book is thin.

Describing thickness.

Ellas son muy delgadas.

They (fem.) are very thin.

Feminine plural agreement.

Este papel es más delgado que el otro.

This paper is thinner than the other one.

Comparative structure 'más... que'.

Hoy estás muy delgado con esa camisa.

You look very thin today with that shirt.

Use of 'estar' for current appearance.

Mi perro era delgado cuando era cachorro.

My dog was thin when he was a puppy.

Imperfect tense for past description.

Necesito un pincel más delgado para pintar.

I need a thinner brush to paint.

Comparative adjective modifying a noun.

Ella es la más delgada de la familia.

She is the thinnest in the family.

Superlative 'la más delgada'.

El jamón está cortado muy delgado.

The ham is cut very thin.

Adverbial use describing the result of an action.

Sus dedos son largos y delgados.

His/her fingers are long and thin.

Multiple adjectives describing a noun.

No me gusta este reloj porque es muy delgado.

I don't like this watch because it is very thin.

Expressing preference with a description.

Se mantuvo delgado gracias al ejercicio constante.

He stayed thin thanks to constant exercise.

Reflexive verb 'mantenerse' + adjective.

Hay una delgada línea entre el éxito y el fracaso.

There is a thin line between success and failure.

Metaphorical usage.

Es un material delgado pero muy resistente.

It is a thin material but very resistant.

Concessive conjunction 'pero'.

Me sorprendió que fuera tan delgado en persona.

I was surprised that he was so thin in person.

Subjunctive 'fuera' after an expression of emotion.

La modelo lucía un vestido de tela delgada.

The model wore a dress made of thin fabric.

Noun + prepositional phrase describing material.

Si comes poco, te quedarás muy delgado.

If you eat little, you will become very thin.

Future tense + 'quedarse' as a verb of change.

El cristal es tan delgado que parece invisible.

The glass is so thin that it seems invisible.

Consecutive clause 'tan... que'.

Buscamos a un actor delgado para el papel principal.

We are looking for a thin actor for the lead role.

Adjective in a search/requirement context.

El informe destaca la delgada capa de hielo en el Ártico.

The report highlights the thin layer of ice in the Arctic.

Technical/Environmental context.

A pesar de ser delgado, tiene mucha fuerza física.

Despite being thin, he has a lot of physical strength.

Prepositional phrase 'a pesar de' + infinitive.

La estructura se apoya en unos pilares delgados.

The structure rests on some thin pillars.

Describing architectural elements.

Su voz sonaba delgada a través del teléfono viejo.

His voice sounded thin through the old phone.

Describing the quality of sound.

El paciente ha estado muy delgado desde la operación.

The patient has been very thin since the operation.

Present perfect with 'estar' for a continuing state.

Prefiero los móviles delgados porque caben en el bolsillo.

I prefer thin mobile phones because they fit in the pocket.

Causal clause with 'porque'.

La pintura se aplica en capas delgadas para evitar grumos.

The paint is applied in thin layers to avoid lumps.

Passive voice 'se aplica'.

No debes juzgarlo solo por ser delgado.

You shouldn't judge him just for being thin.

Infinitive as a noun after a preposition.

La delgada silueta del árbol se recortaba contra el atardecer.

The thin silhouette of the tree was silhouetted against the sunset.

Literary placement of adjective before noun.

Existe una delgada distinción entre ambos conceptos filosóficos.

There exists a thin distinction between both philosophical concepts.

Abstract academic usage.

El artesano trabajaba con hilos de oro sumamente delgados.

The artisan worked with extremely thin gold threads.

Use of 'sumamente' for high intensity.

Su rostro se veía delgado y anguloso bajo la luz de la luna.

His face looked thin and angular under the moonlight.

Descriptive literary style.

La membrana es tan delgada que permite el paso de moléculas.

The membrane is so thin that it allows the passage of molecules.

Scientific/Technical description.

Tras meses de penuria, su cuerpo se volvió delgado y débil.

After months of hardship, his body became thin and weak.

Verb of change 'volverse'.

La elegancia de la caligrafía residía en sus trazos delgados.

The elegance of the calligraphy lay in its thin strokes.

Describing artistic technique.

Caminaba sobre una delgada capa de confianza que podía romperse.

He was walking on a thin layer of confidence that could break.

Complex metaphorical imagery.

La prosa del autor es delgada, despojada de adornos innecesarios.

The author's prose is thin, stripped of unnecessary ornaments.

Metaphorical use in literary criticism.

El acero fue laminado hasta quedar increíblemente delgado.

The steel was rolled until it became incredibly thin.

Resultative construction 'quedar'.

Su argumento era tan delgado que se desmoronó ante la primera pregunta.

His argument was so thin that it crumbled at the first question.

Abstract use for 'flimsy' or 'weak'.

La delgada atmósfera del planeta no podía retener el calor.

The planet's thin atmosphere could not retain heat.

Astrophysical context.

El violín emitía una nota delgada y penetrante que helaba la sangre.

The violin emitted a thin, piercing note that chilled the blood.

Synesthetic description of sound.

Se percibía una delgada ironía en sus palabras de felicitación.

A thin irony was perceived in his words of congratulation.

Subtle emotional description.

La investigación pende de un hilo muy delgado de evidencia.

The investigation hangs by a very thin thread of evidence.

Idiomatic metaphorical use.

El velo era tan delgado que permitía adivinar sus facciones.

The veil was so thin that it allowed one to guess her features.

Describing transparency and thinness.

Colocações comuns

muy delgado

bastante delgado

extremadamente delgado

capa delgada

línea delgada

rebanada delgada

hilo delgado

voz delgada

talle delgado

papel delgado

Frases Comuns

Estar delgado

— To look thin at the moment or to have lost weight recently.

Estás más delgado que la última vez que te vi.

Ser delgado

— To be naturally thin as a permanent characteristic.

Toda mi familia es delgada por genética.

Más delgado

— Thinner (comparative).

Este lápiz es más delgado que el otro.

El más delgado

— The thinnest (superlative).

Juan es el más delgado de sus hermanos.

Un poco delgado

— A bit thin.

El niño está un poco delgado, necesita comer más.

Delgado de complexión

— Thin by build/constitution.

Es un hombre delgado de complexión.

Capa delgada de...

— A thin layer of something.

Hay una capa delgada de polvo en los muebles.

Sección delgada

— Thin section (often used in science/microscopy).

Analizamos una sección delgada de la roca.

Loncha delgada

— Thin slice (usually of meat or cheese).

Póngame una loncha delgada de jamón.

Hacerse el delgado

— To try to look thinner (informal/rare).

Se puso faja para hacerse el delgado.

Frequentemente confundido com

delgado vs fino

Learners use 'fino' for people, but it usually refers to quality or thinness of objects/textures.

delgado vs estrecho

'Estrecho' means narrow (space), whereas 'delgado' means thin (thickness/body).

delgado vs débil

Being thin (delgado) does not mean being weak (débil), though they are sometimes wrongly linked.

Expressões idiomáticas

"Estar más delgado que un fideo"

— To be extremely thin (literally 'thinner than a noodle').

Después de la enfermedad, se quedó más delgado que un fideo.

informal

"La delgada línea roja"

— A thin line/boundary (often referring to a limit not to be crossed).

Cruzó la delgada línea roja de la legalidad.

neutral

"Pender de un hilo delgado"

— To hang by a thin thread (to be in a precarious situation).

Su futuro en la empresa pende de un hilo delgado.

neutral

"Andar por una línea delgada"

— To walk a fine line (to be in a delicate situation).

El político anda por una línea delgada con sus declaraciones.

neutral

"Más delgado que una vara"

— Very thin (literally 'thinner than a stick').

Ese chico es más delgado que una vara.

informal

"Quedarse delgado"

— To become thin (focusing on the result).

Se quedó muy delgado tras el verano.

neutral

"Delgado como un papel"

— Very thin (referring to objects or sometimes skin).

La pared es delgada como un papel.

informal

"Una delgada esperanza"

— A slim hope.

Aún queda una delgada esperanza de ganar.

literary

"Voz delgada"

— A high-pitched or weak voice.

Habló con una voz delgada por el miedo.

literary

"Talle de avispa"

— A very thin waist (literally 'wasp waist').

Ella siempre ha tenido un talle de avispa.

neutral

Fácil de confundir

delgado vs flaco

Both mean thin.

'Delgado' is more polite and formal; 'flaco' is more casual and can be slightly negative.

El médico dice que estoy delgado, pero mi abuela dice que estoy flaco.

delgado vs fino

English 'fine' can mean thin.

'Fino' describes elegance, high quality, or very small diameter (like a thread).

Este hilo es muy fino, pero el lápiz es delgado.

delgado vs estrecho

Both relate to small dimensions.

'Estrecho' refers to width between two sides (like a street); 'delgado' refers to the thickness of the object itself.

La calle es estrecha, pero la pared es delgada.

delgado vs menudo

Both describe small frames.

'Menudo' implies overall smallness (petite), while 'delgado' specifically refers to lack of fat/flesh.

Es un hombre menudo y delgado.

delgado vs ligero

Thin things are often light.

'Ligero' means lightweight (weight); 'delgado' means thin (dimension).

Este abrigo es delgado y ligero.

Padrões de frases

[Subject] + ser + delgado/a.

Juan es delgado.

[Subject] + tener + [Body Part] + delgado/s.

Ella tiene brazos delgados.

[Subject] + estar + más delgado/a.

Tú estás más delgado hoy.

[Noun] + [Adjective] + más delgado.

Necesito un papel más delgado.

Parecer + delgado/a.

Él parece muy delgado en esa foto.

Mantenerse + delgado/a.

Ella se mantiene delgada haciendo yoga.

Una delgada capa de + [Noun].

Una delgada capa de nieve cubría el suelo.

La delgada línea entre + [Noun] + y + [Noun].

La delgada línea entre el amor y el odio.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

delgadez (thinness)

adelgazamiento (weight loss process)

Verbos

adelgazar (to lose weight / to make thin)

Adjetivos

delgado (thin)

delgadito (very thin/slender - diminutive)

delgadísimo (extremely thin - superlative)

Relacionado

flaco

esbelto

fino

estrecho

ligero

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Como usar

frequency

Very high; it is a core descriptive adjective in Spanish.

Erros comuns

El hombre es fino. → El hombre es delgado.
'Fino' means refined or high quality, not physically thin for a person.
La niña es delgado. → La niña es delgada.
Adjectives must agree in gender with the noun they modify.
Un calle delgado. → Una calle estrecha.
'Delgado' describes thickness; 'estrecha' describes width of a space like a street.
Él es muy flaco (to a boss). → Él es muy delgado.
'Flaco' can be too informal or blunt for a professional setting.
El papel es flaco. → El papel es delgado.
'Flaco' is almost exclusively for living beings; 'delgado' is for objects and people.

Dicas

Gender Agreement

Always match the adjective to the noun. 'El papel delgado' but 'la hoja delgada'. This is a basic rule that makes a huge difference.

Politeness

When in doubt, use 'delgado' instead of 'flaco'. It sounds more professional and is never seen as an insult.

Ser vs Estar

Use 'estar' to compliment someone on weight loss: '¡Estás muy delgado!'. Using 'ser' would just be a statement of fact about their build.

Describing Layers

In technical or creative writing, 'capa delgada' is a very common and useful phrase for describing textures or applications.

Soft 'D'

The 'd' in the middle of 'delgado' should be soft. If you say it like a hard English 'd', it will sound very foreign.

Nicknames

Don't be surprised if a friend calls you 'flaco'. It's a common nickname, but you should still use 'delgado' in formal situations.

Artistic Use

Use 'trazos delgados' to describe fine lines in art. It sounds much better than 'líneas pequeñas'.

Word Families

Learning 'adelgazar' (to lose weight) alongside 'delgado' helps you expand your vocabulary around the same concept.

Professionalism

In a job interview or a formal meeting, 'delgado' is the only appropriate word to use if you must describe someone's physique.

Etymology Link

Remember that 'delicate' and 'delgado' come from the same root. Thin things are often delicate!

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of a 'delicate' (delgado) person who is very thin and 'slender'. Both words start with 'del'.

Associação visual

Imagine a very thin piece of 'deli' meat. 'Deli' sounds like the start of 'delgado'.

Word Web

flaco esbelto fino adelgazar delgadez gordo grueso estrecho

Desafio

Try to describe three things in your room using 'delgado' (e.g., a book, a cable, a pencil) and make sure the endings match the gender.

Origem da palavra

From the Latin 'delicatus', which meant 'delicate', 'alluring', or 'tender'. Over time, the meaning shifted from 'delicate' to 'thin' or 'slender'.

Significado original: Delicate, soft, or dainty.

Romance (Indo-European)

Contexto cultural

While 'delgado' is polite, avoid commenting on weight unless necessary, as body image is a sensitive topic globally.

English speakers might find the frequent use of physical descriptors in Spanish slightly jarring, but 'delgado' is the most polite option.

Don Quijote (described as enjuto/delgado) The surname 'Delgado' is very common Moda delgada (Slim fashion trends)

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Physical description

Es muy delgado
Tiene brazos delgados
Parece más delgado
Siempre fue delgado

Cooking

Corte delgado
Rebanadas delgadas
Masa delgada
Salsa delgada

Objects/Materials

Papel delgado
Cable delgado
Tela delgada
Pincel delgado

Health/Science

Capa delgada
Estructura delgada
Paciente delgado
Fibra delgada

Art/Design

Línea delgada
Trazo delgado
Perfil delgado
Marco delgado

Iniciadores de conversa

"¿Crees que este papel es demasiado delgado para imprimir?"

"Mi hermano es muy delgado, ¿y el tuyo?"

"¿Prefieres los teléfonos delgados o los más robustos?"

"¿Cómo se dice 'thin' en español de forma educada? ¿Es 'delgado'?"

"¿Te parece que esta rebanada de pan es muy delgada?"

Temas para diário

Describe a un miembro de tu familia que sea delgado usando al menos tres oraciones.

¿Prefieres el clima frío para usar ropa gruesa o el calor para usar ropa delgada? ¿Por qué?

Escribe sobre un objeto en tu casa que sea muy delgado y para qué sirve.

¿Cómo ha cambiado tu opinión sobre lo que significa ser 'delgado' con el tiempo?

Imagina que eres un artista. Describe los pinceles delgados que usarías para tu obra maestra.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, 'delgado' is the most neutral and polite way to say 'thin' in Spanish. It is used in medical and formal contexts without negative connotations.

Yes, 'un libro delgado' is perfectly correct to describe a book that isn't thick.

'Delgadito' is the diminutive form. It makes the word sound softer, more affectionate, or emphasizes the smallness of the thinness.

Use 'ser' if the person is naturally thin (a permanent trait). Use 'estar' if they look thin at the moment or have recently lost weight.

You use the structure 'más delgado que'. For example: 'Él es más delgado que yo'.

Usually no. For liquids, we use 'líquido' or 'aguado'. However, you can describe a 'capa delgada' (thin layer) of a liquid.

Yes, 'Delgado' is a very common surname in Spain and Latin America.

The opposite for people is 'gordo' (fat) or 'robusto' (robust). For objects, the opposite is 'grueso' (thick).

No, for a narrow street you should use 'estrecho'. 'Delgado' is for the thickness of an object or a person.

You change the 'o' to 'as': 'delgadas'. Example: 'Ellas son delgadas'.

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