Chula?

Question

I'm translating a communion hymn for class, and one of the lines is "Que chula se ve la mesa." I'm not quite sure what "chula" means in this context - the translation spanishdict gives as a flashy woman doesn' t seem to fit...

Answer 1

Chulo - cocky, arrogant, bonito, working class person from Madrid, pimp, vulture, bullfighters assistant. These are meanings from all Spanish speaking countries.

What a pretty table'

Answer 2

I agree with Jim, "chula" is a colloquialism for "pretty".
-- Que chula se ve la mesa! ( the table looks pretty).
-- Mi hija esta chula!. ( My daughter is pretty).
But in a formal setting is not used, could be more apropiate to say: Linda/ Bonita/ Hermosa...

Answer 3

It is always interesting to see the definition in the RAE:

chulo, la.

1. adj. Lindo, bonito, gracioso.

2. adj. Guat., Hond., Méx. y P. Rico. guapo (? bien parecido

Two of the definitions are "pretty, good-looking, funny, beautiful...."

Answer 4

In Spain it can have a positive or a negative meaning depending on how it's said.

Much like 'sick' in American English. You could say "Man, that was sick" to indicate something was amazing. Or "Yuk, that's sick" to indicate that it's disgusting.

Answer 5

I think in some latin american cases "chula" would translate to "pretty"

"See the pretty table", is my attempt at what this would translate to.

hopefully one of our latin american members can confirm this.

Answer 6

Thanks! That was my guess too, but I'm glad you all corroborated it!

Answer 7

well it really depends on how u say it but if you were called chula or chulo by a guy/girl then they are saying (F.) Pretty,cute,Beautiful,attractive etc. (M.) Handsome etc. does that answer your question?