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My question is only about Spanish from Spain.
I read on the Internet that 'Bonito/Bonita' was only for things, not for men or women?
Is it correct or weird to use 'un hombre bonito'? (I know it's considered correct in American Spanish)
The RAE says that it means to have beautifulness (belleza), nothing in their definition could imply that's not correct. I just want to be sure. Speakers would probably prefer to use guapo/guapa and to keep the use of bonito for things, but is a word misuse?
While it is correct, we favor "guapo/guapa" for people, unless you are talking about babies. It could still be okay to address as "bonita" to a young girl, but if would sound awkward for men.
So, it is not just used for things, but when addressing people and almos always "people of short age".
You can definitely say
Bonito! Eres el bebé más bonito que he visto en mi vida
Meaning that he is a cute baby. Not just "good looking" but overall "beautiful".
It would indeed weird to say that a man is "bonito" instead of "guapo" or "atractivo". It would be like calling a man "beautiful" instead of handsome. Technically you could do it, but you are going to favor "handsome" for a number of connotations on both words.
