When it comes to describing a person’s character, different dialects of Spanish can have their own set of description words. I can speak for Argentinian Spanish adjectives. This is my promise: you’ll leave here with a whole new bunch of adjectives you didn’t know existed!
We’ll take a closer look at the description words used in Argentina to describe a person’s character, shedding light on the unique words and phrases used down here while comparing them to the ‘standard words’ used in Spanish elsewhere.
Let’s dive into the depths of Argentinian Spanish description words.
Ready?
In English | In standard Spanish | In Argentina |
---|---|---|
Has a good vibe | Tiene buena onda | Es un/a copado/a |
Is not very authentic | Es poco auténtico/a | Es un careta |
Likes luxury | Le gusta el lujo | Es un/a cheto/a |
Is not very fun | No es muy divertido/a | Es un amargo/a |
Is always in a rush | Está siempre acelerado/a | Es muy manija |
Is a bit foolish | Es un poco tonto/a | Es medio boludo/a |
Is unpredictable | Es impredecible | Es un/a mágico/a |
Is too full of himself/herself | Es arrogante | Es canchero/a |
Is lazy | Es perezoso/a | Es un/a pajero/a |
Is unbearable | Es insoportable | Es infumable |
Thinks he is better than he is | Se cree mejor de lo que es | Es un goma |
Always goes over the line | Siempre se pasa de la raya | Es un/a zarpado/a |
Is slim and tall | Es flaco/a y alto/a | Es lungo/a |
Is crazy | Está loco/a | Está pirado/a |
Pretends to be harmless but is manipulative | Parece inofensiva, pero oculta sus verdaderas intenciones | Se hace la mosquita muerta |
Is stingy | Es tacaño/a | Es un rata |
Is beautiful | Es hermoso/a | Está bárbaro/a |
Is noisy | Es ruidoso/a | Es quilombero/a |
Is untidy | Es desarreglado/a | Es un croto/a |
Likes to go to the casino and gamble | Le gusta ir al casino y apostar | Es timbero/a |
Is indecisive | Es indeciso/a | Es vueltero/a |
Is untrustworthy | Es poco confiable | Es un garca |
Gets angry easily | Se enoja fácilmente | Es calentón |
Likes animals | Le gustan los animales | Es bichero/a |
Gets scared with little | Es miedoso/a | Es cagón/ona |
Is malicious | Es malintencionado/a | Es mala leche |
Gets confident too fast | Entra en confianza demasiado rápido | Es confianzudo/a |
Likes to know things about others | Le gusta saber cosas sobre los demás | Es chusma |
Brings bad luck | Trae mala suerte | Es yeta |
Is exploitative | Es aprovechador/a | Es ventajero/a |
Is shameless | Es un desvergonzado | Es un/a cara rota |
Says many bad words | Dice muchas malas palabras | Es un guarango/a |
Is distracted | Es distraído/a | Es un colgado/a |
Is a homebody | Es hogareño/a | Es cuevero/a |
Is not very reliable | No es muy confiable | Es un cachivache |
Is not clean | No es una persona limpia | Es roñoso/a |
Is not what he/she claims to be | Es una persona que no es todo lo que dice ser | Es un vendehumo |
Is picky | No es una persona fácil | Es mañoso/a |
Here you go. Confronted with another piece of evidence that proves Argentinian Spanish is not your average Spanish. Download the chart in a more colorful version below:

Sign up to the newsletter and download your FREE Argentinian Spanish Phrasebook! CLICK HERE
Hope you learned some new words today,
You might also want to read these articles:
- The Paradox of ChoiceToday, I want to introduce the concept of paradox of choice, and show you how it’s detrimental to your progress.
- Argentinian Spanish Input (part 1)In this post, I included podcasts you can try to leverage your learning with natural input.
- El que te jediLearn a fun way of saying you-know-who in Rioplatense Spanish.
- InfumableHave you heard Argentinians using this word before? If not, you should get ready.
- Memory, Ear, IntuitionThis article breaks down how ear, memory and intuition make for a killer combo in language learning.
- Phrasal Verbs in RPSHave you been crafting your own list of phrasal verbs in Spanish? This is the ultimate resource to extend it and take your understanding even further.