jovencito
/ho-ven-SEE-toh/
young boy
This image shows a young boy playing, illustrating the noun form of jovencito.
jovencito(noun)
young boy
?referring to a child or adolescent male
,lad
?informal, often affectionate
youngster
?general term for a young male
📝 In Action
El jovencito que trabaja en la tienda es muy amable.
A2The young man (or young boy) who works at the store is very kind.
Pregúntale al jovencito si necesita ayuda con eso.
B1Ask the lad if he needs help with that.
💡 Grammar Points
The -cito Ending
The suffix '-cito' is a diminutive. It means 'little,' 'small,' or 'very.' When added to 'joven,' it often means 'very young' or is used to show affection, like calling someone a 'dear young man.'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Gender Agreement
Mistake: "Using 'jovencito' to refer to a girl."
Correction: Remember that 'jovencito' is masculine. For a young girl, you must use the feminine form: 'jovencita'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Affectionate Use
Using 'jovencito' is often more tender or respectful than just 'chico' or 'joven', especially when speaking to or about teenagers.
The image of the baby emphasizes the concept of being very young, which is the meaning of jovencito as an adjective.
jovencito(adjective)
very young
?intensified form of 'joven'
,quite youthful
?describing appearance or demeanor
📝 In Action
Aunque tiene 25 años, parece muy jovencito.
B1Although he is 25, he looks very young.
Era un soldado jovencito, apenas de 17 años.
B2He was a very young soldier, barely 17 years old.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Placement
Like many Spanish adjectives, 'jovencito' usually goes after the noun it describes: 'un hombre jovencito' (a very young man).
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with Ser
Since age is a permanent characteristic, use 'ser' (to be) with 'jovencito': 'Él es jovencito' (He is very young).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: jovencito
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the feminine form of this word?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'joven' and 'jovencito'?
'Joven' simply means 'young' or 'a young person.' 'Jovencito' adds emphasis, meaning 'very young' or 'a little/dear young man.' It is often used for children or teenagers, or to emphasize someone's youthful appearance.