Delicious
The most common, everyday word for 'delicious' or 'tasty'. Use it just like 'delicious'.
Means 'flavorful' or 'tasty'. Very common in Latin America.
A more formal word, like 'exquisite'. Use it when something is exceptionally good.
The food is delicious. Thank you!
Mmm, how delicious this dessert is!
The chicken is very flavorful.
This soup is delicious. What does it have in it?
While 'delicioso' is understood everywhere, 'rico' is often the more common and natural-sounding choice in everyday, casual conversation.
'Rico' and 'sabroso' are extremely common. The exclamation '¡Qué rico!' is used frequently.
'Rico' is very common. 'Sabroso' is also used, especially in the Caribbean coastal regions.
'Rico' is the most common word by a wide margin. 'Delicioso' sounds a bit more formal or emphatic.
'Rico' is very common, just as in Latin America. 'Está bueno' (It's good) is also a frequent and slightly more understated alternative.
Saying 'La sopa está delicioso' instead of 'La sopa está deliciosa'. — In Spanish, adjectives must match the gender of the noun they describe. 'Sopa' is feminine, so you must use the feminine form 'deliciosa'. 'El pollo' (masculine) 'está delicioso'.
Using 'ser' instead of 'estar'. For example, 'La comida es deliciosa'. — While not always wrong, it's much more common to use 'estar' ('está') when talking about the food you are currently eating. 'Está delicioso' means 'It tastes delicious (right now)'. 'Es delicioso' describes a general, inherent quality, like 'Chocolate is delicious'.
Using 'delicioso' to describe a person. — Calling a person 'delicioso' or 'rico' can have strong sexual connotations. To say someone is handsome or beautiful, use 'guapo' (for a man) or 'guapa' (for a woman).