7 Ways to Say Good In Spanish + Examples & Slang Terms

¡Hola amigos! Get ready to learn how to say Good in Spanish and in Spanish Slang. Well cover different, colorful ways to say “good”? We’ll discover a wealth of slang terms for “good” in Spanish in this article, each with its own unique taste and historical context. Join us on a linguistic journey through the bustling neighborhoods of Spain and Mexico. We will look into the origins, significance, and application of these endearing idioms. Prepare to add some good energy to your vocabulary!

4 Most Common Ways of Saying Good in Spanish

Adjective	Masculine Singular	Feminine Singula	Masculine Plural	Feminine Plural
Good	Bueno	Buena	Buenos	Buenas

Adverb

Well

The two words “bien” and “bueno” are similar and have similar meanings, but they are not used in the same contexts.

First, let’s take a look at the word “bueno.”

“Bueno” (“good”) is an adjective. Unlike adverbs, adjectives in Spanish are variable; that is, they will change according to gender and number. Therefore, as “bueno” designates the masculine singular, “buena” designates the feminine singular. Easy, right?

For plurals, you just need to add an “s” at the end of the word: the result is “buenos” for plural masculine and “buenas” for plural feminine.

These are some examples:

Spanish	English Translation
Beber agua es bueno para la salud.	Drinking water is good for your health.
Esta sandía está muy buena.	This watermelon is very good.
Los perros de Laura son buenos.	Laura’s dogs are good.
Esa película tiene muy buenas críticas.	That movie has very good reviews.å

Wait a minute! What about “buen”?

Sometimes, native Spanish speakers use this word as a shorthand for “bueno” that has exactly the same meaning. The difference is that, while “bueno” always comes after the noun, “buen” always comes before it.

Also, keep in mind that “buen” can only be used when it accompanies a masculine noun. Let’s see an example:

Spanish	English Translation
Hoy tuve un día bueno.	Today I had a good day.
Hoy tuve un buen día.	Today I had a good day.

In some occasions, placing the adjective before the noun in Spanish will slightly change its meaning, as in the example below:

Spanish	English Translation
Tengo un amigo bueno.	I have a friend who is good (a good person).
Tengo un buen amigo.	I have a good friend (a close friend).

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Special Note: In some contexts, “buen” (and “buena”) can also be used as a synonym for “big.” So, don’t be surprised if someone says, “¡Se viene un buen chaparrón!” (A big storm is coming!) or “Me comí un buen plato de pasta” (I ate a big plate of pasta).

Bien/Good in Spanish

Now, let’s talk about the classic question that comes up with many beginner Spanish students. When should you use “bien” vs “bueno”?

As we’ve seen, “bueno” is an adjective, meaning “good.” In contrast, “bien” is an adverb and it means “well.” We see this confusion happen a lot even in English, especially colloquially. Using “good” vs “well” is a common grammatical error. The same mix-ups can happen in Spanish.

Adverbs are words that don’t change according to number and gender. Adverbs are used to describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs such as in these examples:

Usage of an adverb	Spanish	English
Modifying a Verb	Juan baila bien.	Juan dances well.
Modifying an Adjective	Esta empanada está bien rica.	This empanada is very tasty.
Modifying another Adverb	Vivo bien cerca de tu casa.	I live very close to your house.

Finally, you can say the word “bien” in a lot of contexts. For example, you can say phrases like ¡Bien hecho! (“Well done!”) or ¡Bien por ti! (“Good for you!”).

When someone asks you ¿Cómo estás? (“How are you?”), the most common answer is Estoy bien (“I’m well”), or simply “Bien” (“Well”).

Generally, the answer is usually accompanied by a second question: ¿Y tú? (“And you?”). Here is an example:

Spanish	English Translation
¡Marcos, tanto tiempo! ¿Cómo estás?	Marcos, it’s been a long time! How are you?
¡Hola, Laura! Bien, gracias.	Hi Laura. I’m fine, thanks.

In English, the common answer to this question will be “I’m doing well,” but you wouldn’t use this direct translation in Spanish. The direct translation is “yo estoy haciendo bien,” but it isn’t something that Spanish speakers naturally say.

One of the most common errors beginner Spanish speakers make is responding by saying “Estoy bueno” as this is a direct translation of the common English reply “I’m good.” However, you should never answer “Estoy bueno” if someone asks you how you are. “Estoy bueno” actually means “I’m hot (good-looking).” Isn’t that an odd response to someone asking you how you are? (Even if it’s accurate in your case!)

Fortunately, Spanish speakers are very friendly and forgiving. Most people will know what you actually meant to say and may let it slide or correct you if they want to be helpful. But it is always good to not send the wrong message if that isn’t your intention!

How to say Well in Spanish

We have already seen how to say “good” in Spanish and how to say “well” in Spanish. But sometimes, just saying “bien” is not enough to express how good you feel. In those cases, you can use other expressions in Spanish, such as “Muy bien” (“Very well”) or even “¡Súper bien!” (“Super well!”).

These words can also be used next to the adjective “bueno.” This is an example:

Spanish	English Translation
El libro está muy bueno!	This book is very good!
Juan es un muy buen estudiante.	Juan is a very good student.

3 Ways to Say Good in Spanish Slang

• Dale: Originating from Puerto Rico and popularized by Latin American reggaeton music, “dale” is an exuberant slang word for “good” or “let’s do it!” This lively term carries a sense of encouragement and excitement. Example:

• Chido: Derived from Mexican slang, “chido” is a vibrant expression meaning “cool” or “awesome.” It emerged from Mexico’s vibrant street culture, particularly among young people. This term perfectly captures the essence of something stylish, impressive, or enjoyable. Example:Bacán: Hailing from Argentina, “bacán” is a slang term for “great” or “fantastic.” Its origins can be traced back to the Italian word “bacco,” which means “cool” or “good.” Over time, it became an integral part of Argentine slang, spreading its contagious positivity throughout the country. Example:

• Buenazo: Embedded in the Peruvian dialect, “buenazo” is an expressive slang word meaning “awesome” or “excellent.” With “bueno” as its root word, “buenazo” emphasizes the superlative form, magnifying positivity. It reflects the warmth and friendliness of Peruvian culture, adding an extra layer of enthusiasm to conversations.

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History and Cultural Significance:

Spanish language and Spanish slang is a dynamic and constantly changing aspect of the language that is influenced by regional, historical, and cultural elements. People started using these inventive “good” terms as a way to add originality, comedy, and fellowship to their regular talks. They enable people to connect on a deeper level and forge a sense of belonging by reflecting the dynamic spirit and many identities of the Spanish-speaking world.

Conclusion

As you embark on your Spanish language journey, incorporating slang words for “good” will not only expand your vocabulary but also immerse you in the rich cultural tapestry of the Spanish-speaking world. From the energetic “dale” to the stylish “chido,” the enthusiastic “bacán,” and the heartfelt “buenazo,” each expression brings a unique flair to your conversations. So go ahead, sprinkle some slang into your Spanish interactions and embrace the infectious enthusiasm of these vibrant expressions. ¡Dale, chido, bacán, buenazo! Let’s have some fun!

Bonus Spanish Slang Terms

Tulum Meaning in Spanish: Derived from the Yucatec Maya language, this Spanish word meaning “wall” or “fortress” perfectly encapsulates the essence of the coastal town, where ancient Mayan ruins perch atop cliffs overlooking the azure Caribbean Sea. Tulum is pronounced “too-LOOM” in English, with the stress on the second syllable. The first syllable “too” rhymes with “blue,” and the second syllable “LOOM” sounds like the word for a weaving machine. So, it’s “too-LOOM.”

Check out my other guides to Spanish slang:

• 20 Great Ways to Say What’s Up in Spanish Slang
• Ultimate Guide to the best Mexican Slang
• How to Say 30 Words that Mean Cool in Spanish Slang Guide
• How to Say “Pretty” in Spanish Slang + Examples
• How to say Fat in Spanish Slang Guide
• 30 Ways to Say Beautiful in Spanish + Spanish Slang & Examples
• 7 Ways to Say Good In Spanish + Examples & Slang Terms
• 30 Ways to Say Beautiful in Spanish + Spanish Slang & Examples
• How to Say Funny in Spanish Slang + Examples
• The 30 Words That Mean Cool in Spanish Slang

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FAQ – How to Say Good in Spanish

Q: How to say “Good morning” in Spanish? A: To greet someone with “Good morning” in Spanish, you can say “Buenos días.” It’s a common phrase used to wish someone a good morning.

Q: How do you say “Good morning” in Spanish? A: The phrase “Good morning” in Spanish can be expressed as “Buenos días.” It’s a widely used greeting to start the day on a positive note.

Q: How to say “like really really good” in Spanish? A: To convey the meaning of “like really really good” in Spanish, you can say “muy, muy bueno.” This phrase emphasizes that something is extremely good or excellent.

Q: How to say “Good afternoon” in Spanish? A: To greet someone with “Good afternoon” in Spanish, you can say “Buenas tardes.” It’s a common phrase used to wish someone a good afternoon.

Q: How to say “Good game” in Spanish? A: To say “Good game” in Spanish, you can use the phrase “Buen juego.” It’s a sportsmanship expression commonly used to acknowledge a well-played game.

Q: How to say “Good morning, beautiful” in Spanish? A: To greet someone with “Good morning, beautiful” in Spanish, you can say “Buenos días, hermosa.” It’s a warm and affectionate way to wish someone a good morning.