No doubt, Spanish is a beautiful language. However, some terms are more difficult to master than others. “Chula” is one of those words that can be tricky for non-native speakers. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different meanings and usages of “chula” in Spanish and talk about its surprising origins.
What Does “Chula” Mean?
In general, “chula” means cute or pretty. It is often used as a term of endearment towards children, pets, or even romantic partners. For instance, if you see a beautiful flower, you might say “¡qué chula!” Or if you want to compliment your girlfriend, you could say “estás muy chula.”
Be mindful that in some countries, “chulo” or “chula” can also have a more controversial meaning. However, if you hear a person from Mexico or Central America use the term, chances are good that they are using it in the sense of “pretty” or “cute.”
Another usage of “chula” in Spanish is in combination with other words to create phrases commonly used in different contexts. For example, “chulada” is a positive expression that means something great or fantastic.
The origins of “chulo” or “chula” would surprise even Spanish speakers. According to the dictionary of the Royal Academy of the Spanish Language, “chulo” comes from the Italian word “fanciullo,” which means “kid” or “child.”
Get your Chula merch here!Wrapping It Up
“Chula” or “Chula” is a word used in Mexico and Central America to talk about something or someone that is pretty, good-looking, or cool. However, the term can have different meanings in the wider Spanish-speaking world, so exercise caution when using it.
A little-known fact is that the word “chula” actually comes from Italian, a fact that would surprise even people who speak Spanish.
For more language trivia, we recommend reading some of our previous posts, “What Does ‘No Manches’ Means?,” “What Is La Chancla?” and “What Is the Meaning of Sana, Sana, Colita de Rana?”
Sabukana: Unapologetically Embrace Yourself
Sabukana was created by two Latina sisters, Melanie and Scarlett, to celebrate their Latin roots and multicultural upbringing with a modern twist.
Our creations are made for people who unapologetically embrace their own. They represent our cultures, serving as a reminder of where we come from and who we are.
