bueno
Bueno (adjective) means the Spanish word for good, in the sense of being of high quality, morally good, or pleasant. Example: “El café está muy bueno — the coffee is very good.”
How to Use Bueno
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSpanish for 'good', also used like 'well…' or 'OK'.
Bueno changes form to agree with the noun: bueno, buena, buenos, buenas. Before a masculine singular noun it shortens to buen — un buen día.
Bueno is an adjective describing a thing or person; bien is an adverb describing how something is done. 'Es bueno' means it is good; 'está bien' means it is fine or it is going well.
Trace the full origin ↓Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
El café está muy _____ — the coffee is very good.
Etymology
From Latin bonus ('good'), the same root that gives English bonus, bonny and bounty.
Antonyms
Related Words
Rhymes for bueno
See all rhymes for bueno →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between bueno and bien?
Bueno is an adjective and describes nouns: un libro bueno, a good book. Bien is an adverb and describes verbs: canta bien, he sings well. Saying 'está bueno' about food means it tastes good, while 'estoy bien' means I am fine.
Why do Mexicans say 'bueno' on the phone?
It is simply the conventional telephone greeting in Mexico, where other Spanish-speaking countries use aló, diga or sí. It functions exactly like the English 'hello' when picking up a call.
When does bueno become buen?
It drops the -o directly before a masculine singular noun: un buen amigo, buen viaje. In every other position the full form stays: el amigo es bueno.