Novio vs Galán
So this girl I've considered who to be my girlfriend which is has also stated that I'm her boyfriend, was texting someone while we were traveling to a different city. She stated to her friend that she was traveling with her galán of the sort. So I asked what it was and she just tells me its same as novio but I dont think thats correct So what's the difference between novio and galán??? My "girlfriend" is mexican
7 Answers
Galán, in the dictionary sense, is a hunk, a really good looking guy. Like Hollywood good looks.
And yes, the word galán can be used as a synonym of novio in Mexico. Take a look at this.
As for why she might have chosen to use galán over novio, she's probably spent her entire life using and hearing galán in that context. It's likely just her go-to word, especially if she's talking with other Mexicans.
It would be like a guy saying he's with his vieja, rather than novia or esposa.
And I've never seen the word galán used to mean playboy or ladies man personally, but I'm sure it has several uses that vary regionally.
The only differences I can think of is that "galán" (for me) would translate into "ladies' man'' or "handsome man'', why ''novio'' would translate into ''boyfriend''. Also ''galán" is a masculine noun,why ''novio'' or "novia" can be used to describe both men and women.
Novio is a boyfriend when it gets real serious it's also "fiancé."
Novia isa girlfriend and ditto for above.
Los novios are a couple. With plurals the masculine form is used.
When appearing before a person commissioned to perform marriages, the same words mean "Bride and Groom.
What I have given here is "textbook" Spanish I did not go into any of the regional variations. There are plenty of other Spanish speakers who can contribute some very interesting vocabulary on the subject.
Galán se solía usar para un hombre generalmente joven y muy bien parecido. En una película el galán de la película es el protagonista masculino pero siempre muy atractivo. Por ejemplo George Clooney podía haber sido un galán pero Robert de Niro nunca podría haber sido el galán de la película aunque fuera su protagonista porque no tenía el físico necesario. A los actores como Robert de Niro se les llama actores de carácter.
You could consider galán here as a kind of synonym of boyfriend but it's not usually exclusively its meaning
Please feel free to correct my English.
To me, "novia" is a girlfriend, a fiancé (although I would use "prometida"), or a bride. Same thing with "novio" on the male side. Like NickelBack wrote, a "galán" is a "lady's man". I also see "galán" as a "playboy".To me a "playboy" is a "galán", but not necessarily the other way around. "The Great Gatsby" suddenly comes to mind, or Hugh Heffner.
Now you are aware of the meaning of each word, I suggest you sort out the nature of the relationship with your girlfriend directly. I do not think any of us can help you there!
Thank you for all that have answered.
I have asked my girlfriend what it meant and she just said its same as novio but I had wondered why she would say another word and not just say novio. Its important to me as to know what our relationship status is. If galan is something similar but not serious then I need to treat this relationship as such so that I'm not jumping ahead etc...
Something like te quiero vs te amo. So if anyone have a bit more insight it would be great.
