"Me gustan chicas pequeñas."

Question

First of all, is the above sentence correct? Secondly, if I say this to a five-foot (or shorter) latina, will she take it as complimentary or offensive? (By the way, 5 feet = 152 cm)

See atxeko's statement about the possible awkwardness of this sentence. If I were to translate it litterally to "I like little girls," you can see how this might be interpreted. - Jubilado, Aug 14, 2013

It's a valid question - and perhaps the answers given will keep others from making a politically incorrect statement. :D - Findy, Aug 14, 2013

Answer 1

Hello 1Rajaji,

It's "Me gustan LAS chicas pequeñas", (missing article).

In addition, pequeña means small, what is inaccurate. I would say bajita (feminine for short).

In Spain (not South America) it is not offensive to say: Me gustan las chicas bajitas. Because it just shows your taste (like blonde or red head).

But pequeñas is usually a synonym of young (like a child). So... it could be misunderstood depending on the context. And I am sure you don't want to be in that awkward situation.

Maybe a Latin American person can help you more.

Saludos.

Your explanation is perfect - rodneyp, Aug 14, 2013

Tampoco en Chile, así como dices que se usa en España. Después de todo es castellano, ¿no? :) - chileno, Aug 14, 2013

Thanks rodney. And it's good to know, chileno. Tienes toda la razón. :) - 003492fc, Aug 14, 2013

Gracias, amigos! - Raja-jani, Aug 14, 2013

Answer 2

You could also simplify that a little and say

Me gusatan las bajitas

or

Me gustan las chaparritas

The last one is probably more Mexican / Central American Spanish. Also, you don't need the word "chicas" because that's implied by bajitas, it already refers to women.

Answer 3

I know in andalucia this would be seen as quite offensive. The term alot of people use when they like the look of a spanish woman is 'que guapa' pronounces 'kayyyyy gwappa' Which is like saying WOW you really are beautiful.

Welcome to the form! - 0080b918, Aug 14, 2013

Thanks. I am familiar with "que guapa!". The above answers include my reference to "short girls." - Raja-jani, Aug 14, 2013