When learning Catalan, one of the most engaging aspects can be describing people. Understanding how to use adjectives related to appearances will not only enrich your vocabulary but also help you paint vivid pictures in conversation. Below is a list of common adjectives related to appearances in Catalan, along with their definitions and example sentences.
Alt /Alta (Tall)
This word is used to describe a person who has considerable height. It is important to match the gender of the adjective with the subject.
El meu germà és molt alt.
Baix /Baixa (Short)
The opposite of ‘alt/alta’, ‘baix/baixa’ refers to someone who is not very tall.
La meva millor amiga és força baixa.
Guapo /Guapa (Handsome/Beautiful)
An adjective used to express that a person is physically attractive. Remember that ‘guapo’ is masculine and ‘guapa’ is feminine.
El meu fill és molt guapo.
Lleig /Lleixa (Ugly)
Used to describe someone considered not pleasing to look at. It is not a kind description.
Aquest quadre és una mica lleig.
Fort /Forta (Strong)
This describes someone physically strong or robust.
La seva germana és realment forta.
Dèbil /Dèbil (Weak)
The opposite of ‘fort/forta,’ it is used to describe someone lacking physical strength.
Després de la malaltia, se sentia dèbil.
Gruixut /Gruixuda (Thick)
Used to describe something that is wide or corpulent, often referring to someone’s build.
Ell té els cabells gruixuts.
Prims /Prima (Thin)
Describes someone with a slender figure or something very narrow in width.
Ella és molt prima però saludable.
Ros /Rossa (Blonde)
Refers to a person with light or golden hair.
La meva cosina és rossa.
Moreno /Morena (Brunette/Dark-haired)
Describes someone with dark hair.
El meu amic és moreno.
Pelroig /Pelroja (Redhead)
A person with red hair is described with this adjective.
Ell és pelroig i té peces a la cara.
Calb /Calba (Bald)
Used to describe someone who has no hair on their scalp.
El meu oncle és calb.
Jove (Young)
Meaning youthful or having lived for a short time.
La seva mare sembla molt jove.
Vell /Vella (Old)
Describes a person of an advanced age.
El meu professor d’història és força vell.
Bonic /Bonica (Pretty/Cute)
Often used to describe something charming or aesthetically pleasing.
El teu gos és molt bonic.
Incorporating these descriptors in your Catalan conversations will make your language skills more dynamic and expressive. Moreover, describing appearances is a common practice in everyday conversation, making these adjectives incredibly useful for anyone learning the language. Remember to practice the gender and number agreement to ensure correct grammatical usage. Feliç aprenentatge (happy learning)!