Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Rich in Spanish
Rico · adjective · REE-koh
The Spanish word 'rico' covers multiple meanings: wealthy (a rich person), delicious (rich food), and in some Latin American countries, cute or attractive (especially for children or in flirty contexts). This versatility makes 'rico' one of those words where context is everything. For specifically 'wealthy,' more formal synonyms include 'adinerado' and 'acaudalado.'
Pronounced REE-koh with stress on the first syllable. Short, punchy, and universally recognized. Feminine form: 'rica.'
Su familia es muy rica y tiene varias propiedades en la costa.
His family is very rich and has several properties on the coast.
Rich in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for rich, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| rico | rich | REE-koh | Default, widely understood |
| adinerado | rich | wealthy (formal) | |
| acaudalado | rich | wealthy (literary) | |
| delicioso | rich | rich-tasting food |
How Native Speakers Use Rico
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Wealth
Se hizo rico vendiendo bienes raíces en los años noventa.
He got rich selling real estate in the nineties.
Shows 'hacerse rico' (to become rich) as a common expression for gaining wealth.
Delicious food
¡Qué rica está la sopa que preparaste hoy!
The soup you made today is so delicious!
Demonstrates 'rico/rica' meaning delicious, with 'qué + adjective' exclamation.
Cute (Latin America)
Ay, qué rico tu bebé, ¡mira esos cachetes!
Oh, your baby is so cute, look at those chubby cheeks!
Latin American colloquial use of 'rico' meaning cute/adorable for babies.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Rico
Assuming 'rico' only means wealthy
Incorrect: La comida está rica. (thinking this means expensive)
Correct: La comida está rica. (this means delicious, not expensive)
When 'rico' is used with food, it always means delicious/tasty, never expensive. 'Expensive' would be 'cara' (the food is expensive = la comida está cara).
Using 'rico' in wrong register
Incorrect: El señor es muy rico. (intending formal/respectful)
Correct: El señor es muy adinerado / acaudalado.
In formal contexts, 'rico' can sound casual. Using 'adinerado' or 'acaudalado' shows respect and formality when discussing someone's wealth.
Lock in Rich Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Rico used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using rico in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Su familia es muy rica y tiene varias propiedades en la costa. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About Rich in Spanish
- Can 'rico' mean both 'rich' and 'delicious'?
- The word 'rico' indeed carries both meanings simultaneously — 'es rico' can mean 'he is rich' or 'it is delicious' depending entirely on whether you're describing a person's finances or a food's taste, with context always making the intended meaning clear.
- Is 'rico' ever used flirtatiously?
- In several Latin American countries, calling someone 'rico/rica' can carry a flirtatious or attractive connotation similar to 'hot' or 'fine' in English — this usage is informal and context-dependent, ranging from innocent compliment to suggestive comment.
- What's the difference between 'rico' and 'adinerado'?
- Both mean wealthy, but 'rico' is the everyday, neutral term while 'adinerado' (literally 'moneyed') is more formal and emphasizes financial status specifically — 'acaudalado' is even more literary and appears mainly in written or very formal spoken Spanish.