mozo
“mozo” means “waiter” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
waiter
Also: server
📝 In Action
¡Mozo! ¿Nos trae la cuenta, por favor?
A1Waiter! Could you bring us the bill, please?
El mozo nos recomendó el vino de la casa.
A2The waiter recommended the house wine to us.
Trabajó como mozo durante todo el verano para ahorrar dinero.
B1He worked as a waiter all summer to save money.
young man
Also: lad, youth
📝 In Action
Ese mozo es el más fuerte del pueblo.
B1That young man is the strongest in town.
Se casó cuando todavía era un mozo.
B2He got married when he was still a lad.
Los mozos del barrio suelen jugar fútbol aquí.
B1The neighborhood youths usually play soccer here.
porter
Also: bellhop, warehouse hand
📝 In Action
El mozo de equipajes llevó las maletas a la habitación.
B1The luggage porter took the suitcases to the room.
Necesitamos un mozo de almacén para descargar el camión.
B2We need a warehouse hand to unload the truck.
El mozo de cuerda ayudaba a la gente con sus bultos en la plaza.
C1The porter helped people with their bundles in the square.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "mozo" in Spanish:
bellhop→lad→porter→server→waiter→warehouse hand→young man→youth→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: mozo
Question 1 of 3
In Argentina, if you are at a restaurant and need more water, who do you call?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Derived from the Vulgar Latin 'muccius', which meant 'snotty'. It was a playful, slightly insulting way to refer to a child ('snotty-nosed kid') before it evolved into a neutral term for a young man and later a servant or worker.
First recorded: 11th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'mozo' rude to say to a waiter?
In Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, it is the standard and polite way to address a waiter. In other countries, it's better to use 'mesero' or 'camarero' to be safe.
What is the female version of 'mozo'?
The female version is 'moza'. It can mean a waitress or a young woman, depending on the context.
Does 'mozo' always mean someone young?
Not anymore. While its origin refers to youth, a 'mozo' (waiter) can be any age. However, when used to mean 'lad', it specifically refers to someone young.