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rifado means brave — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: January 12, 2026

🌶️ Mexican Slang

rifado

adjective • /[ree-FA-do]/

brave

Example:

Ese vato está bien rifado.

That dude is really brave.

🧠 What does rifado mean?

Rifado is a vibrant Mexican slang adjective used to describe someone who is brave, audacious, or daring. It conveys a sense of someone who is not afraid to face challenges, take risks, or stand up for themselves or others. It's often used in informal contexts to praise someone's courage or boldness.

📚 Extra examples

  • Ese bombero es muy rifado, salvó al niño del incendio.
    That firefighter is very brave; he saved the child from the fire.
  • No te preocupes por el examen, eres muy rifada y lo harás bien.
    Don't worry about the exam, you are very brave and will do well.
  • Fue un acto rifado saltar desde esa altura.
    It was a daring act to jump from that height.

💡 Did You Know?

The verb 'rifar' has a dual meaning in Spanish. In Mexico, it's strongly associated with the slang adjective 'rifado' meaning brave. However, in standard Spanish, 'rifar' means to raffle or to draw lots, a meaning that is also understood in Mexico.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "rifado"

Synonyms: valiente, audaz, atrevido, osado
Opposites: cobarde, miedoso, temeroso

🔍 See more mexican slang words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'brave' in Spanish?
The standard Spanish word for 'brave' is 'valiente'. However, in Mexican slang, 'rifado' is used to describe someone who is brave or audacious.
How do you pronounce 'rifado' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'rifado' is 'ree-FAH-doh'. The 'r' at the beginning is a rolled 'r', and the stress is on the second syllable, 'FAH'.
How do you use 'rifado' in a sentence?
'Rifado' is used as an adjective and typically follows the noun it describes. For example, 'Mi amigo es muy rifado' (My friend is very brave).
What is the English translation of 'rifado'?
The primary English translation of 'rifado' in this context is 'brave'. It can also be translated as 'daring', 'audacious', or 'bold'.
Does 'rifado' change for gender or number?
Yes, like many Spanish adjectives, 'rifado' changes to agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. The feminine singular form is 'rifada', the masculine plural is 'rifados', and the feminine plural is 'rifadas'.
Is 'rifado' common in everyday Spanish?
While 'rifado' is common in Mexico, it is considered slang and might not be understood or used widely in all Spanish-speaking countries. The standard word 'valiente' is universally understood.
Does 'rifado' have slang or double meanings?
In its slang usage as an adjective, 'rifado' primarily means brave or daring. However, the verb 'rifar' (from which 'rifado' derives) can also mean to draw lots or raffle, which is a distinct meaning.
Is 'rifado' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
Yes, 'rifado' as an adjective meaning brave is primarily a Mexicanism. In Spain and most other parts of Latin America, 'valiente' is the standard and widely understood term for brave.

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