At the A1 level, 'gordo' is primarily used as a basic descriptive adjective for physical appearance. You learn it alongside 'flaco' (thin), 'alto' (tall), and 'bajo' (short). The focus is on simple subject-adjective agreement: 'El perro es gordo', 'La gata es gorda'. At this stage, you should understand that it means 'fat' and is used for people, animals, and sometimes thick objects like books. You might also encounter it in very basic affectionate contexts, but the primary goal is mastering the gender and number changes (-o, -a, -os, -as). It is a 'high-frequency' word that appears in early vocabulary lists about the family and descriptions.
At the A2 level, you start to see 'gordo' in more varied contexts. You begin to understand the difference between 'ser gordo' (to be a fat person by nature) and 'estar gordo' (to have gained weight or look fat currently). You also learn the diminutive 'gordito/a', which is used to make the word sound softer, cuter, or more affectionate. A2 learners should be aware that 'gordo' is the name of the big prize in the Spanish Christmas lottery ('El Gordo'). You also start to use 'gordo' to describe the thickness of objects, such as 'un lápiz gordo' (a thick pencil) or 'un libro gordo' (a thick book), moving beyond just people and animals.
By B1, you should be comfortable with the idiomatic uses of 'gordo'. The most important one is the expression 'caer gordo/a', which means to find someone unpleasant or annoying (e.g., 'Ese chico me cae gordo'). This is a shift from physical description to personality judgment. You also learn to use 'gordo' for emphasis in phrases like 'una mentira gorda' (a big fat lie) or 'un problema gordo' (a big problem). At this level, you should also be sensitive to the cultural nuance that 'gordo' as a nickname is common and not necessarily an insult, though you should still be careful using it yourself until you are very close with someone.
At the B2 level, you explore the more nuanced and regional applications of 'gordo'. You might encounter phrases like 'hacer la vista gorda' (to turn a blind eye) or 'armarse la gorda' (to have a big fight or for 'all hell to break loose'). You understand that 'gordo' can describe the 'meat' or the essential part of something. In technical or more formal writing, you start to distinguish when to use 'gordo' versus more precise terms like 'grueso' (for thickness of materials) or 'obeso' (for medical contexts). You can also use 'gordo' as a noun more fluently, referring to 'los gordos' in a descriptive or statistical sense.
At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the sociolinguistic implications of 'gordo'. You can analyze how its usage varies across different Spanish-speaking countries (e.g., its frequency as a nickname in Argentina vs. Spain). You are familiar with literary uses where 'gordo' might be used to evoke a specific atmosphere or character archetype. You can use the word in complex idiomatic structures and understand subtle sarcasm or irony involving the word. You also recognize its presence in historical terms or specific regional dialects, and you can discuss the ethics and social changes regarding the use of the word in modern media and advertising.
At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of 'gordo', including its etymological roots and its evolution within the Romance languages. You understand the finest distinctions between 'gordo', 'grueso', 'pando', 'rollizo', and 'suculento'. You can use 'gordo' in highly sophisticated ways, such as in metaphors about the 'thickness' of time or the 'fatness' of a historical period. You are aware of the word's role in proverbs and folk wisdom. You can navigate the most sensitive social situations involving the word with perfect tact, knowing exactly when it conveys warmth, when it is a neutral descriptor, and when it carries a sharp, critical edge.

gordo em 30 segundos

  • Means 'fat' or 'thick'.
  • Used as an affectionate nickname.
  • Describes the Christmas lottery jackpot.
  • Appears in idioms like 'caer gordo' (to dislike).

The Spanish word gordo is a fundamental adjective that every Spanish learner encounters early in their journey. At its most basic level, it translates to 'fat' or 'overweight' in English. However, unlike its English counterpart, which often carries a heavy social stigma or is perceived as a direct insult, 'gordo' occupies a much more complex and nuanced space in Spanish-speaking cultures. It is used to describe physical size, but it also functions as a term of endearment, a descriptor for thickness, and a way to emphasize the magnitude of something.

Physical Description
The primary use is to describe a person, animal, or object that has a lot of excess flesh or volume. For example, 'un gato gordo' (a fat cat).

Ese perro está muy gordo porque come demasiado.

One of the most surprising aspects for English speakers is the use of 'gordo' (or the feminine 'gorda') as a nickname. In many Spanish-speaking families and among close friends, 'Gordo' or 'Gordito' is used affectionately, regardless of the person's actual weight. It is a way of expressing closeness and warmth. If a spouse calls their partner 'gordo,' they are likely saying 'honey' or 'sweetie' rather than commenting on their BMI. This cultural difference is crucial to understand to avoid misinterpreting social interactions.

Thickness and Magnitude
Beyond living beings, 'gordo' describes thickness. A 'libro gordo' is a thick book. It can also mean 'big' in a figurative sense, like 'un problema gordo' (a big/serious problem).

Me he metido en un lío gordo en el trabajo.

Furthermore, the word appears in famous cultural contexts like 'El Gordo,' the name of the massive Spanish Christmas lottery jackpot. Here, 'gordo' signifies the 'fatness' of the prize money. Understanding 'gordo' requires looking past the literal translation and embracing the cultural warmth and descriptive versatility it offers in everyday Spanish life.

Using 'gordo' correctly involves understanding its grammatical behavior as an adjective and its potential to function as a noun. As an adjective, it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. For a masculine singular noun, we use gordo; for feminine singular, gorda; for masculine plural, gordos; and for feminine plural, gordas.

Adjective Placement
Usually, 'gordo' follows the noun when it is a literal description. 'El hombre gordo camina despacio'. However, when used figuratively to mean 'big' or 'serious,' it can sometimes precede the noun for emphasis, though this is less common than with adjectives like 'grande'.

Compré un diccionario muy gordo para mi clase de alemán.

When 'gordo' is used as a noun, it often takes an article. 'El gordo de la clase' means 'the fat boy of the class.' While this can be descriptive, it is often more polite to use the diminutive form 'gordito' to soften the impact, especially when talking about children or pets. The diminutive 'gordito' is incredibly common and often removes the negative sting that 'fat' might have in English.

With 'Ser' vs 'Estar'
The choice between 'ser' and 'estar' changes the meaning. 'Él es gordo' implies he is naturally a fat person (a permanent trait). 'Él está gordo' implies he has become fat or looks fat right now (a temporary state or a change from the norm).

Después de las vacaciones, siento que estoy gordo.

In idiomatic expressions, 'gordo' remains masculine regardless of the subject if it's part of a set phrase. For example, 'caer gordo' (to be disliked) uses 'gordo' as an adverbial adjective of sorts. 'Ella me cae gorda' (I dislike her/She rubs me the wrong way) – here 'gorda' matches 'ella', but the structure is fixed. Learning these patterns helps you sound more like a native speaker and less like a textbook.

You will hear 'gordo' in a staggering variety of environments, from the most casual family dinners to the high-stakes world of national lotteries. In the domestic sphere, 'gordo' is a ubiquitous sound. Mothers call their children 'gordito,' grandparents use it for their grandkids, and couples use it as a standard pet name. In these contexts, the word is stripped of its literal meaning regarding weight and is instead filled with affection. It’s not uncommon to hear a very thin child being called 'gordito' simply because it’s a traditional term of endearment.

The Lottery (El Gordo)
Every December in Spain, the word 'Gordo' is on everyone's lips because of the 'Sorteo Extraordinario de Navidad'. The first prize is known simply as 'El Gordo'. You will see it in headlines, hear it in news broadcasts, and see people screaming it in the streets when they win.

¡Ha tocado el Gordo en mi barrio!

In the kitchen and at markets, 'gordo' is used to describe ingredients. You might ask for 'sal gorda' (coarse salt) or 'un filete gordo' (a thick steak). Here, the word is purely functional and descriptive. In a social setting, if someone says 'Me cae gordo ese tipo,' they aren't talking about the man's weight; they are saying they find him annoying or unpleasant. This idiomatic use is very common in Spain and Mexico.

In Literature and Media
From the famous 'Libro Gordo de Petete' (a popular educational book in Argentina and Spain) to characters in telenovelas, 'gordo' is used to create archetypes—often the jolly, friendly character or the formidable, 'thick-skinned' boss.

Ese es un gordo mentiroso.

Ultimately, 'gordo' is a word that bridges the gap between the physical and the emotional. Whether it's the excitement of a lottery win, the comfort of a mother's voice, or the frustration with a colleague, 'gordo' provides a linguistic shortcut to express intensity and presence in the Spanish-speaking world.

The most significant mistake English speakers make with 'gordo' is assuming it has the exact same social weight as the English word 'fat'. In English, calling someone 'fat' is almost always viewed as a negative judgment or an insult. In Spanish, while it *can* be an insult, it is frequently not. Learners often overreact when they hear it used as a nickname, or they are too afraid to use it in descriptive contexts where it is perfectly appropriate.

Misunderstanding the Endearment
A common error is getting offended when a Spanish-speaking friend calls you 'gordito'. They are likely expressing affection. Conversely, a learner might try to use 'gordo' as an endearment with someone they don't know well, which *would* be rude. The endearment only works when there is established 'confianza' (trust/closeness).

No me llames gordo, que me pongo triste. (A common learner reaction).

Another mistake is failing to use the correct gender and number. Since 'gordo' ends in -o, it is a standard four-form adjective. Learners often forget to change it to 'gorda' for women or 'gordas' for a group of females. Mixing up 'ser' and 'estar' is also a frequent pitfall. Saying 'eres gordo' is a statement about someone's identity, while 'estás gordo' is a comment on their current appearance—both can be sensitive, but 'estar' is often more offensive as it implies a noticeable change.

Confusing 'Gordo' with 'Grueso'
While 'gordo' means thick for books or pencils, 'grueso' is often the more professional or technical term for thickness. Using 'gordo' for a wall might sound a bit childish or overly colloquial.

El cristal es muy grueso (Better than 'gordo' for glass).

Finally, learners often miss the idiomatic meaning of 'caer gordo'. They might think it means 'to fall fatly' or something literal. If someone says 'Tu hermano me cae gordo,' they are saying they don't like your brother. Misinterpreting this can lead to very confusing conversations! Always remember that 'gordo' in idioms usually refers to the 'weight' of the annoyance or the 'size' of the problem.

Spanish offers a rich palette of words to describe size and weight, allowing speakers to be more precise, more polite, or more descriptive than the general term 'gordo'. Depending on the context—whether you are in a doctor's office, a fashion boutique, or a casual conversation—you might choose a different word to avoid being blunt or to provide more detail.

Obeso vs. Gordo
'Obeso' is the clinical, medical term. Use this in a professional health context. 'Gordo' is the everyday, colloquial term. Saying 'estás obeso' to a friend sounds very strange and overly clinical.

El paciente padece de obesidad mórbida.

If you want to be more polite or euphemistic, 'rellenito' (chubby/plump) is a great alternative. It’s the diminutive of 'relleno' (filled) and sounds much softer. 'Entrado en carnes' is a more literary or old-fashioned way of saying someone is 'well-fed' or 'fleshy'. For someone who is broadly built or stocky, 'corpulento' is a respectful and descriptive choice.

Grueso and Voluminoso
'Grueso' is the standard word for 'thick' when referring to materials like wood, metal, or glass. 'Voluminoso' is used for things that take up a lot of space, like a bulky package or a voluminous dress.

Llevaba un abrigo muy voluminoso que no cabía en el armario.

Finally, there are more colorful or slang terms. 'Fofisano' is a modern, humorous term (a portmanteau of 'fofo' - flabby and 'sano' - healthy) similar to 'dad bod' in English. 'Macizo' can mean someone is 'solid' or 'well-built' in a more attractive way. Choosing the right synonym depends entirely on your intent: are you being clinical, affectionate, descriptive, or polite? Understanding these nuances prevents the social friction that can come from using 'gordo' inappropriately.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

In Ancient Rome, 'gurdus' was considered a slang term, possibly of Hispanic or Celtic origin, which eventually replaced the more formal Latin 'pinguis' in many contexts in the Iberian Peninsula.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /ˈɡɔːrdəʊ/
US /ˈɡɔːrdoʊ/
The stress is on the first syllable: GOR-do.
Rima com
tordo sordo bordo transbordo recordo mordo tordo acordo
Erros comuns
  • Pronouncing the 'r' too strongly like an English 'r'.
  • Making the final 'o' sound like 'oh' instead of a pure Spanish 'o'.
  • Forgetting to change the ending to 'a' for feminine subjects.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text as a basic A1 adjective.

Escrita 2/5

Easy, but requires attention to gender/number agreement and 'ser/estar' distinction.

Expressão oral 3/5

Medium difficulty due to the cultural nuances and potential for unintended offense.

Audição 2/5

Easy to hear, but idiomatic uses (caer gordo) can be confusing for beginners.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

grande alto bajo ser estar

Aprenda a seguir

grueso delgado flaco engordar adelgazar

Avançado

hacer la vista gorda armarse la gorda caer gordo obeso corpulento

Gramática essencial

Adjective agreement

El perro gordo / Las perras gordas.

Ser vs Estar with adjectives

Él es gordo (constitutive) vs Él está gordo (circumstantial).

Diminutives for affection

Gordo -> Gordito.

Neuter article 'lo' with adjectives

Lo gordo del asunto es...

Placement of adjectives for emphasis

Una gorda mentira (emphasizes the lie).

Exemplos por nível

1

Mi perro es muy gordo.

My dog is very fat.

'Gordo' agrees with the masculine singular noun 'perro'.

2

Tengo un libro gordo.

I have a thick book.

'Gordo' describes the physical thickness of the book.

3

La vaca está gorda.

The cow is fat.

'Gorda' is the feminine singular form to match 'vaca'.

4

¿Es gordo tu gato?

Is your cat fat?

Simple question structure using the verb 'ser'.

5

Ellos son gordos.

They are fat.

Plural masculine form 'gordos'.

6

Las manzanas son gordas.

The apples are big/fat.

Plural feminine form 'gordas'.

7

No soy gordo.

I am not fat.

Negative sentence with 'ser'.

8

Mi hermano tiene un lápiz gordo.

My brother has a thick pencil.

Using 'gordo' for thickness of an object.

1

¡Hola, gordito! ¿Cómo estás?

Hello, sweetie! How are you?

Diminutive 'gordito' used as an affectionate nickname.

2

Este invierno estoy un poco gordo.

This winter I am a little fat.

Using 'estar' to indicate a temporary state or change.

3

Quiero comprar el Gordo de Navidad.

I want to buy the Christmas Lottery (jackpot ticket).

'El Gordo' is a proper noun referring to the lottery prize.

4

Ese bebé tiene los mofletes gordos.

That baby has fat cheeks.

'Gordos' matches the masculine plural 'mofletes'.

5

Usa un pincel gordo para pintar el cielo.

Use a thick brush to paint the sky.

'Gordo' used for the size of a tool.

6

Mi abuelo era un hombre gordo y feliz.

My grandfather was a fat and happy man.

Using 'ser' in the imperfect tense for description.

7

¿Prefieres el pan fino o gordo?

Do you prefer thin or thick bread?

'Gordo' as an antonym for 'fino'.

8

Las nubes están gordas y grises.

The clouds are thick and gray.

Metaphorical use for 'heavy' or 'dense' clouds.

1

Ese vecino me cae muy gordo.

I really dislike that neighbor.

Idiomatic expression 'caer gordo' (to be disliked).

2

¡Vaya mentira más gorda me has contado!

What a big fat lie you've told me!

'Gorda' used to emphasize the magnitude of the lie.

3

Tenemos un problema gordo con el coche.

We have a big problem with the car.

'Gordo' meaning 'serious' or 'large scale'.

4

No me gusta la sal gorda en la ensalada.

I don't like coarse salt in the salad.

'Sal gorda' is the standard term for coarse salt.

5

Se puso gordo de tanto comer dulces.

He got fat from eating so many sweets.

'Ponerse gordo' indicates the process of becoming fat.

6

La gorda de mi tía siempre trae regalos.

My 'fat' aunt (affectionate) always brings gifts.

Using 'la gorda' as a familiar noun/nickname.

7

Es un libro tan gordo que no cabe en la mochila.

It's such a thick book it doesn't fit in the backpack.

Resultative clause with 'tan... que'.

8

Me dio un fajo gordo de billetes.

He gave me a thick wad of bills.

'Gordo' describing the volume of an object.

1

El jefe hizo la vista gorda con su retraso.

The boss turned a blind eye to his lateness.

Idiomatic phrase 'hacer la vista gorda'.

2

Se va a armar la gorda si no llegamos a tiempo.

There's going to be big trouble if we don't arrive on time.

Idiomatic phrase 'armarse la gorda' meaning a big fuss or fight.

3

Prefiero el hilo gordo para tejer esta manta.

I prefer thick yarn to knit this blanket.

'Gordo' used for the gauge of yarn/thread.

4

Es una de esas bromas gordas que no hacen gracia.

It's one of those heavy/crude jokes that aren't funny.

'Gorda' meaning 'heavy', 'crude', or 'serious'.

5

El premio gordo de la lotería cayó en Madrid.

The lottery jackpot landed in Madrid.

'Premio gordo' is the full term for the jackpot.

6

Tiene un dedo gordo muy lastimado.

He has a very badly injured big toe/thumb.

'Dedo gordo' is the common name for the thumb or big toe.

7

Lo más gordo del asunto es que no lo sabía.

The biggest/most serious part of the matter is that he didn't know.

'Lo gordo' used as a neuter noun to mean 'the main/big part'.

8

Había un goteo gordo cayendo del techo.

There was a thick/heavy drip falling from the ceiling.

'Gordo' describing the size of a liquid drop.

1

La trama se vuelve más gorda en el segundo acto.

The plot gets thicker/more complex in the second act.

Metaphorical use of 'gordo' for complexity or intensity.

2

No me vengas con esas palabras tan gordas.

Don't come at me with such coarse/offensive words.

'Palabras gordas' refers to insults or swear words.

3

Es un caldo gordo, lleno de sabor y sustancia.

It's a thick broth, full of flavor and substance.

'Caldo gordo' implies richness and density.

4

Aquel gordo de la esquina es un espía.

That fat man on the corner is a spy.

Using 'gordo' as a substantive noun for identification.

5

Se armó un escándalo gordo en la prensa.

A huge scandal broke out in the press.

'Gordo' intensifying the noun 'escándalo'.

6

El presupuesto tiene un error gordo de cálculo.

The budget has a major calculation error.

'Error gordo' means a significant or glaring mistake.

7

Siempre ha sido un tipo de cuello gordo.

He has always been a thick-necked guy (implies toughness).

Physical description implying a certain character type.

8

La herencia provocó una bronca gorda entre hermanos.

The inheritance caused a massive fight between siblings.

'Bronca gorda' is a common colloquialism for a big fight.

1

La prosa del autor es gorda, carente de sutileza.

The author's prose is heavy/dense, lacking subtlety.

Abstract literary criticism using 'gorda'.

2

Su desparpajo le permite hacer la vista gorda ante la ética.

His self-confidence allows him to turn a blind eye to ethics.

Advanced use of 'hacer la vista gorda' in a complex sentence.

3

Fue una gorda equivocación confiar en sus promesas.

It was a massive mistake to trust his promises.

'Gorda' preceding the noun for stylistic emphasis.

4

El matiz se pierde en una descripción tan gorda.

The nuance is lost in such a coarse/broad description.

'Gorda' meaning 'lacking precision' or 'broad'.

5

Esa es la parte más gorda del beneficio empresarial.

That is the lion's share of the corporate profit.

'Parte gorda' meaning the largest or most significant portion.

6

No soporto su tono gordo y autoritario.

I can't stand his coarse and authoritarian tone.

Applying 'gordo' to the quality of a voice or tone.

7

La realidad es más gorda de lo que te imaginas.

Reality is more substantial/complex than you imagine.

Philosophical/abstract use of 'gorda'.

8

Se requiere un trazo gordo para definir los límites.

A thick stroke is required to define the boundaries.

Technical use in art or cartography.

Colocações comuns

sal gorda
dedo gordo
mentira gorda
problema gordo
libro gordo
premio gordo
pincel gordo
caldo gordo
vista gorda
hilo gordo

Frases Comuns

¡Qué gordo está!

— Used to comment on how much someone or an animal has grown or gained weight.

¡Mira al gato, qué gordo está!

Ponerse gordo

— The act of gaining weight.

Me voy a poner gordo con tanto pastel.

Estar gordo

— To be currently fat (often implying a change).

Siento que estoy gordo últimamente.

Ser gordo

— To be a fat person (as a characteristic).

Él siempre ha sido gordo, es su constitución.

El gordo de la lotería

— The first prize in a lottery.

Ojalá nos toque el gordo este año.

Un fajo gordo

— A thick stack (usually of money).

Sacó un fajo gordo de billetes del bolsillo.

Gordo como una bola

— A common simile: 'Fat as a ball'.

Después de Navidad, estoy gordo como una bola.

Un error gordo

— A big or significant mistake.

Cometí un error gordo al borrar ese archivo.

Cae gordo

— To find someone annoying.

Ese presentador me cae gordo.

Lo más gordo

— The most important or shocking part.

Lo más gordo es que no me avisaron.

Frequentemente confundido com

gordo vs grueso

'Grueso' is for the thickness of materials (walls, glass), while 'gordo' is for people or thick books/pencils.

gordo vs grande

'Grande' means big/large in general size, while 'gordo' specifically means fat or thick.

gordo vs ancho

'Ancho' means wide, whereas 'gordo' refers to volume or thickness.

Expressões idiomáticas

"Hacer la vista gorda"

— To pretend not to notice something wrong; to turn a blind eye.

El profesor hizo la vista gorda cuando vio que hablaban.

neutral
"Caer gordo"

— To be disliked by someone or to find someone annoying.

Tu primo me cae gordo porque es muy presumido.

informal
"Armarse la gorda"

— To start a big fight, argument, or for a major problem to arise.

Se armó la gorda cuando descubrieron el secreto.

informal
"Hacer el caldo gordo"

— To play into someone's hands or to inadvertently help an opponent.

No le hagas el caldo gordo criticándolo tanto.

neutral/metaphorical
"Palabras gordas"

— Insults, swear words, or very harsh language.

Empezaron a decirse palabras gordas y la policía llegó.

informal
"Estar a las duras y a las maduras (and sometimes 'a las gordas')"

— To be there for the good times and the bad.

En una amistad hay que estar a las gordas y a las flacas.

colloquial
"Tener el dedo gordo"

— Specifically referring to the thumb or big toe.

Me duele el dedo gordo después de caminar tanto.

neutral
"Ponerse las botas (sometimes related to 'ponerse gordo')"

— To eat excessively or to profit greatly.

En la boda nos pusimos las botas, ¡qué comida tan gorda!

informal
"Vivir del cuento (and 'vivir de la sopa gorda')"

— To live off others or without working.

Ese quiere vivir de la sopa gorda sin dar un palo al agua.

old-fashioned
"Lío gordo"

— A big mess or a complicated trouble.

Me he metido en un lío gordo con Hacienda.

informal

Fácil de confundir

gordo vs grueso

Both can mean 'thick'.

'Gordo' is more colloquial and used for people/animals. 'Grueso' is more technical and used for layers or materials.

Una pared gruesa, un hombre gordo.

gordo vs obeso

Both mean 'fat'.

'Obeso' is medical/scientific. 'Gordo' is everyday language.

El médico dijo que el paciente es obeso.

gordo vs relleno

Sounds like 'rellenito'.

'Relleno' means 'filled' (like a stuffed turkey). 'Rellenito' means 'chubby'.

El pavo está relleno; el niño está rellenito.

gordo vs pesado

Fat things are often heavy.

'Pesado' means 'heavy' (weight) or 'annoying'. 'Gordo' is about volume/fat.

Esta maleta es pesada, pero no es gorda.

gordo vs ancho

Width vs. thickness.

'Ancho' is 'wide' (like a street). 'Gordo' is 'thick' or 'fat'.

Una calle ancha, un libro gordo.

Padrões de frases

A1

Subject + ser + gordo

El gato es gordo.

A1

Noun + gordo

Un libro gordo.

A2

Subject + estar + gordo

Tú estás gordo.

A2

Gordito (nickname)

Hola, gordito.

B1

Caer + gordo

Me cae gordo.

B1

Una + [noun] + gorda

Una mentira gorda.

B2

Hacer la vista gorda

Hizo la vista gorda.

C1

Lo más gordo + es que...

Lo más gordo es que se fue.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

gordura (fatness/fat)
gordezuela (plumpness)
gordiflón (chubby person)

Verbos

engordar (to gain weight/to fatten)
engordarse (to get fat)

Adjetivos

gordito (chubby - diminutive)
gordote (big and fat - augmentative)
gordiflón (pudgy)

Relacionado

grasa (fat/grease)
grueso (thick)
obeso (obese)
sebo (tallow/fat)
tocino (bacon/fat)

Como usar

frequency

Very high in daily speech, media, and idioms.

Erros comuns
  • Calling a stranger 'gordo' thinking it's always friendly. Use 'señor' or their name.

    The affectionate use of 'gordo' is reserved for close friends and family. With strangers, it's an insult.

  • Using 'gordo' for a thick wall. Una pared gruesa.

    'Grueso' is the correct term for the thickness of construction materials or technical objects.

  • Saying 'Me cae gordo' to mean 'He falls fatly'. It means 'I don't like him'.

    This is a common idiomatic expression where 'gordo' has nothing to do with physical weight.

  • Forgetting to change 'gordo' to 'gorda' for a woman. Ella es gorda.

    Adjectives in Spanish must always agree in gender with the person they describe.

  • Using 'obeso' in a casual conversation with friends. Gordito or rellenito.

    'Obeso' is too clinical and sounds strange or even harsher than 'gordo' in a social setting.

Dicas

The Nickname Rule

Only use 'gordo' as a nickname for people you have a close relationship with. Using it with strangers is considered offensive.

Agreement Check

Always match the gender and number: gordo, gorda, gordos, gordas.

Thickness Matters

Use 'gordo' for books, pencils, and brushes, but 'grueso' for walls and glass.

Annoyance Phrase

Memorize 'me cae gordo' to express dislike in a very natural, native-sounding way.

Pure Vowels

Keep the 'o' at the end short. Don't let it slide into an 'ow' sound.

Ser vs Estar

Use 'ser' for a person's general build and 'estar' for a recent change in weight.

Salt Types

'Sal gorda' is coarse salt. You'll see this in recipes and at the supermarket.

Toe and Thumb

Remember 'dedo gordo' for both your thumb and your big toe.

Lottery Season

In December, 'El Gordo' is the only thing people talk about in Spain.

Diminutive Power

When in doubt, use 'gordito'. It's almost always safer and sounds kinder.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of a 'Gourmet' chef who is 'Gordo' because he eats all his delicious food.

Associação visual

Imagine a giant, round 'O' (the last letter of gordo) as a fat belly.

Word Web

gordura engordar gordito El Gordo vista gorda caer gordo mentira gorda dedo gordo

Desafio

Try to describe three objects in your room using 'gordo' for thickness and three people (carefully!) or animals using 'gordito'.

Origem da palavra

From the Latin 'gurdus', which originally meant 'dull', 'stupid', or 'heavy'. Over time, the meaning shifted from mental 'heaviness' to physical 'heaviness'.

Significado original: Dull or heavy-witted.

Romance (Indo-European).

Contexto cultural

Always use caution with 'gordo' when speaking to people you don't know well. While it can be affectionate, it can also be used as a playground insult or a derogatory term.

English speakers often find 'gordo' offensive because 'fat' is a sensitive word in English. It's important to translate the *feeling* (affection) rather than just the word.

El Gordo de la Navidad (The world's largest lottery prize). El Libro Gordo de Petete (A famous educational book/show). Botero's paintings (Famous Colombian artist known for his 'gordo' figures).

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Family/Friends

  • ¡Hola, gordito!
  • Mi gorda linda.
  • ¿Cómo estás, gordo?
  • Estás más gordito.

Shopping/Objects

  • Un cuaderno gordo.
  • Lápices gordos para niños.
  • Un fajo gordo de papeles.
  • Cuerda gorda.

Cooking

  • Sal gorda.
  • Un filete gordo.
  • Caldo gordo.
  • Pasta gorda.

Lottery

  • El premio gordo.
  • ¿Ha salido el gordo?
  • Tengo el gordo.
  • Comprar el gordo.

Social Conflict

  • Me cae gordo.
  • Se armó la gorda.
  • Un problema gordo.
  • Mentira gorda.

Iniciadores de conversa

"¿Crees que 'gordo' es una palabra cariñosa o un insulto?"

"¿Alguna vez has ganado el 'Gordo' de la lotería?"

"¿Qué tipo de personas te 'caen gordas'?"

"¿Prefieres leer libros gordos o libros cortos?"

"¿Cómo se dice 'gordo' de forma educada en tu país?"

Temas para diário

Describe a tu mascota favorita usando la palabra 'gordito'.

Escribe sobre una vez que te metiste en un 'problema gordo'.

¿Quién es la persona que mejor te cae y quién te 'cae gordo'?

Reflexiona sobre el uso de apodos físicos en la cultura hispana.

Imagina que ganas el Gordo de la Navidad. ¿Qué harías con el dinero?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, it is frequently used as a term of endearment among friends and family, often appearing as 'gordito' or 'gorda'. However, context and relationship are key; calling a stranger 'gordo' is rude.

Use 'grueso' for technical thickness, like the thickness of a wall, a sheet of glass, or a layer of paint. Use 'gordo' for people, animals, and objects like books or pencils.

It is an idiom meaning 'to be disliked' or 'to be annoying'. For example, 'Ese tipo me cae gordo' means 'I don't like that guy' or 'He rubs me the wrong way'.

'El Gordo' is the nickname for the first prize (jackpot) in the Spanish Christmas Lottery, one of the biggest lottery events in the world.

Yes, but you must change it to 'gorda'. For example, 'Ella es gorda' or 'Hola, gorda' (if it's a close friend/partner).

The most common way is to use the diminutive 'gordito' or the word 'rellenito'.

It means 'to turn a blind eye' or to pretend you didn't see something, usually something wrong or illegal.

Not always. It can refer to physical thickness (a thick book), the magnitude of something (a big lie), or be a fixed part of an idiom (thumb = dedo gordo).

Generally, yes, but the frequency of its use as a nickname is particularly high in Argentina, Uruguay, and Mexico.

The literal opposite is 'flaco' (thin/skinny), but 'delgado' (slim) is more polite.

Teste-se 200 perguntas

writing

Write a sentence describing a thick book using the word 'gordo'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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Describe your favorite animal using 'gordito' or 'gordo'.

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Use the idiom 'caer gordo' in a sentence about a character in a movie.

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writing

Explain what 'El Gordo' is in two sentences.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'estar gordo' to show a change in weight.

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writing

Create a sentence using 'mentira gorda'.

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writing

Use 'hacer la vista gorda' in a professional context.

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writing

Describe a thick steak using 'gordo'.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'armarse la gorda'.

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writing

Compare 'gordo' and 'grueso' in two short sentences.

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writing

Write a short dialogue where someone uses 'gordo' as a nickname.

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writing

Describe a major problem you had recently using 'gordo'.

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writing

Use 'lo más gordo' to introduce a shocking fact.

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writing

Write a sentence with 'sal gorda'.

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writing

Describe a baby's cheeks using 'gordos'.

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writing

Use 'ponerse gordo' in a future tense sentence.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'palabras gordas' in a scene of an argument.

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writing

Describe a thick wad of money using 'fajo'.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'gordas' to describe fruit.

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writing

Explain the difference between 'ser gordo' and 'estar gordo' in your own words.

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speaking

Pronounce the word 'gordo' clearly.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'The cat is fat' in Spanish.

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speaking

Say 'I don't like him' using the idiom with 'gordo'.

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speaking

Say 'It is a thick book' in Spanish.

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speaking

Pronounce 'gordito' focusing on the diminutive.

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speaking

Say 'I have a big problem' using 'gordo'.

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speaking

Tell someone 'Don't turn a blind eye' using the idiom.

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speaking

Describe a thumb in Spanish.

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speaking

Say 'That is a big fat lie' in Spanish.

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speaking

Greet a close friend using 'gordo' as a nickname.

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speaking

Say 'The cows are fat' in Spanish.

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speaking

Use 'armarse la gorda' in a sentence about a party.

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speaking

Say 'I want coarse salt' in Spanish.

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speaking

Pronounce the plural 'gordas'.

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speaking

Say 'The most important thing is...' using 'lo más gordo'.

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speaking

Describe a thick pencil in Spanish.

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speaking

Say 'He is getting fat' in Spanish.

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speaking

Say 'I have a thick wad of money' in Spanish.

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speaking

Say 'She has fat cheeks' in Spanish.

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speaking

Explain what 'El Gordo' means in Spanish.

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listening

Listen and identify the gender: 'La gata está muy gorda.'

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listening

Listen and identify the idiom: 'Ese hombre me cae gordo.'

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listening

Listen and identify the object: 'Pásame ese libro gordo.'

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listening

Listen and identify the lottery reference: '¡Ha tocado el Gordo!'

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listening

Listen and identify the part of the body: 'Me duele el dedo gordo.'

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listening

Listen and identify the tone: '¡Hola, mi gordito lindo!'

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listening

Listen and identify the number: 'Los perros están muy gordos.'

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listening

Listen and identify the idiom: 'No hagas la vista gorda.'

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listening

Listen and identify the size: 'Usa un pincel gordo.'

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listening

Listen and identify the severity: 'Tenemos un problema gordo.'

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listening

Listen and identify the ingredient: 'Ponle un poco de sal gorda.'

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listening

Listen and identify the action: 'Se está poniendo gorda.'

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listening

Listen and identify the lie: 'Vaya mentira más gorda.'

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listening

Listen and identify the chaos: 'Se armó la gorda.'

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listening

Listen and identify the person: 'Aquel gordo de allí es mi tío.'

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/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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