tíos
/TEE-ohs/
uncles
Tíos means uncles when referring to male relatives.
📝 In Action
Mis tíos son hermanos de mi padre.
A1My uncles are my father's brothers.
💡 Grammar Points
Plural Form
This is the plural form of 'tío' (uncle). It follows the standard pattern of adding '-s' to a noun ending in a vowel.
Tíos can refer to a mixed gender group of aunts and uncles.
📝 In Action
Todos mis tíos vinieron a la boda, incluyendo mi tía Marta.
A1All my aunts and uncles came to the wedding, including my Aunt Marta.
¿Vienen tus tíos este fin de semana?
A2Are your aunt and uncle coming this weekend?
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Plural Rule
In Spanish, when you have a group that includes both males ('tíos') and females ('tías'), you use the masculine plural form ('tíos') to refer to the whole group.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Feminine Plural for Mixed Groups
Mistake: "Using 'tías' to refer to a group containing both male and female relatives."
Correction: Always use the masculine plural 'tíos' when the group includes at least one male.
⭐ Usage Tips
Referring to Parents
In some very informal contexts, especially in Spain, 'los tíos' can sometimes refer to 'the parents' of a young person.
Informally, tíos can be used to refer to a general group of people or 'guys'.
📝 In Action
¡Qué pasada, tíos! ¿Vamos al cine?
B1That's awesome, guys! Shall we go to the cinema?
Los tíos de la mesa de al lado están haciendo mucho ruido.
B2The people at the next table are making a lot of noise.
💡 Grammar Points
Interjection Use
This word is often used as an interjection (a sudden sound or word) to address a group of friends, similar to saying 'Hey, guys!'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Tíos' in Formal Settings
Mistake: "Addressing professional colleagues or elders as 'tíos'."
Correction: Reserve 'tíos' for very casual conversation with close friends. Use 'señores' or 'ustedes' in formal situations.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: tíos
Question 1 of 2
If someone from Madrid says, '¡Mira esos tíos!', what is the most likely meaning?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'tíos' to mean 'guys' outside of Spain?
While Spanish speakers will understand the literal meaning of 'uncles,' using 'tíos' as slang for 'guys' is highly regional to Spain. In Latin America, using it this way would sound strange or might not be understood. Stick to 'chicos' or 'muchachos' in Latin American contexts.
How do I refer only to my aunts, without including any uncles?
If the group is exclusively female, you must use the feminine plural form: 'tías'.