hübsch
pretty
Having an appealing, beautiful appearance; attractive.
EXAMPLE
Sie trug ein sehr hübsches Kleid auf der Feier.
She wore a very pretty dress to the party.
hübsch
pretty
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Meanings
hübsch
substantial
Used colloquially and often ironically to express that something is considerable or significant.
EXAMPLE
Für die Reparatur musste er eine hübsche Summe bezahlen.
He had to pay a substantial sum for the repair.
Usage tips
Context clue
The meaning of 'hübsch' depends strongly on the noun. If it describes the appearance of a person or thing, it means 'attractive'. If it describes an amount (often money or work), it means 'substantial'.
EXAMPLE
Er wohnt in einem hübschen Haus am See.
He lives in a pretty house by the lake.
Register and style
In the meaning 'beträchtlich' (substantial), 'hübsch' is colloquial and is often used with a slightly ironic or surprised emphasis.
EXAMPLE
Da hast du dir ja eine hübsche Erkältung eingefangen.
You've really caught yourself quite a nasty cold there.
Typical collocations
In its colloquial meaning, 'hübsch' is often combined with nouns that refer to an amount or effort. Typical phrases are 'eine hübsche Summe' (a substantial sum), 'ein hübsches Sümmchen' (a tidy little sum), or 'ein hübsches Stück Arbeit' (quite a piece of work).
EXAMPLE
Für das alte Auto hat er noch eine hübsche Summe bekommen.
He still got a substantial sum for the old car.
Compare with
hübsch vs schön
beautiful / nice
Schön and hübsch both describe an appealing appearance. Schön is the broader aesthetic evaluation, while hübsch often expresses a pleasing, sometimes more delicate or refined attractiveness. So schön is generally more suitable for a strong overall impression, while hübsch often fits a charming, pleasing impression.
hübsch
Mit seinen feinen Farben ist das Porträt hübsch.
With its delicate colors, the portrait is pretty.
schön
Mit seinem starken Ausdruck ist das Porträt schön.
With its strong expression, the portrait is beautiful.
In real life
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