Inklingo

How to Say "boy" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “boy” is “chico” — use 'chico' for a general, common term for a boy, applicable to most situations and age ranges from young children to early teens..

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chico

/CHEE-ko//ˈtʃiko/

NounA1General
Use 'chico' for a general, common term for a boy, applicable to most situations and age ranges from young children to early teens.
A cheerful young boy with dark hair laughing while kicking a soccer ball in a sunny park.

Examples

El chico juega con su perro en el jardín.

The boy is playing with his dog in the garden.

Hay un chico nuevo en mi clase de español.

There's a new guy in my Spanish class.

¡Chicos, la cena está lista!

Kids, dinner is ready!

Masculine and Feminine Forms

Use chico when talking about a boy. If you're talking about a girl, you just swap the 'o' for an 'a': chica. For a group of boys or a mixed group of boys and girls, use the plural chicos.

`Chico` vs. `Niño`

Mistake: “Using `chico` and `niño` as if they are exactly the same.”

Correction: `Niño` usually refers to a younger child (around 2-10 years old). `Chico` is more general and can be used for a young child, a teenager, or even a young man in his 20s. When in doubt, `chico` is often a safe bet.

niño

NounA1General
Use 'niño' specifically for a male child, emphasizing their young age, typically from infancy up to around 10-12 years old.

Examples

El niño juega en el parque.

The boy plays in the park.

muchacho

/moo-CHAH-choh//muˈtʃatʃo/

NounA1General
Use 'muchacho' for a boy who is a child or teenager, often implying a slightly older age than 'niño' and common in many Latin American countries.
A smiling young boy, approximately ten years old, with short brown hair, standing in a sunny green field.

Examples

El muchacho está jugando en el parque.

The boy is playing in the park.

Vi a un grupo de muchachos hablando en la esquina.

I saw a group of boys talking on the corner.

Es un buen muchacho, siempre ayuda a su familia.

He's a good lad, he always helps his family.

Changing the Ending for Girls

This word changes to 'muchacha' when you're talking about a girl. The little word in front also changes: 'el muchacho' (the boy) becomes 'la muchacha' (the girl).

Making it Plural

To talk about more than one boy, add an '-s' to make 'muchachos'. For a group of girls, it's 'muchachas'. For a mixed group of boys and girls, you use the masculine form: 'los muchachos'.

Using 'Muchacho' for an Adult Man

Mistake: “Llamé al muchacho para que arreglara la tubería.”

Correction: Llamé al hombre para que arreglara la tubería. 'Muchacho' usually refers to a boy, teenager, or very young man. Using it for a grown adult can sound a bit strange or even like you're talking down to them, unless you're much older.

chaval

/cha-VAL//tʃaˈβal/

NounA2Informal
Use 'chaval' informally, especially in Spain, to refer to a boy, teenager, or young man, often implying a youthful or slightly rebellious vibe.
A smiling young boy wearing a blue shirt and shorts, holding a red toy car in his hand.

Examples

El chaval nuevo del barrio juega muy bien al fútbol.

The new kid in the neighborhood plays soccer really well.

Cuando era chaval, pasaba los veranos en la playa.

When I was a boy, I used to spend the summers at the beach.

La tienda la lleva un chaval de solo veinte años.

The shop is run by a lad who is only twenty years old.

Gender Pairing

The feminine equivalent is 'chavala' (girl/young woman). If you are referring to a mixed group, use the masculine plural: 'los chavales'.

Choosing between niño, chico, and muchacho

Learners often struggle with 'niño', 'chico', and 'muchacho'. While 'niño' strictly means 'child', 'chico' and 'muchacho' are more broadly used for boys of various ages. In many contexts, 'chico' is the most versatile and safest choice if you're unsure.

Related Translations

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