Afortunado vs. suertudo
The Spanish words 'afortunado' and 'suertudo' both generally translate to 'lucky' or 'fortunate' in English. However, there are subtle differences in connotation and usage between the two terms.
Afortunado
The word 'afortunado' is used to describe someone who is fortunate or blessed, often due to their own attributes or achievements.
Tuvimos un día afortunado en el trabajo.
(We had a fortunate day at work.)
Eres un hombre afortunado por tener una familia tan amorosa.
(You are a fortunate man for having such a loving family.)
Suertudo
The word 'suertudo', on the other hand, tends to carry a stronger connotation of luck or good fortune that happens purely by chance.
Eres un suertudo por ganar la lotería.
(You're lucky for winning the lottery.)
Nadie es tan suertudo como él en los juegos de azar.
(No one is as lucky as he is in gambling games.)
Summary
'Afortunado' and 'suertudo' both mean 'lucky' or 'fortunate', but while 'afortunado' tends to emphasize a general state of good fortune usually related with personal attributes or achievements, 'suertudo' tends to refer to luck that happens purely by chance, such as winning a game of chance or lottery.