Inklingo

How to Say "boyfriend" in Spanish

English → Spanish

novio

/NOH-byoh//ˈno.βjo/

nounA1standard
Use 'novio' when referring to your romantic partner in a committed relationship, the most standard and universally understood term.
A young man and a young woman standing close together, holding hands and smiling, symbolizing a boyfriend and girlfriend.

Examples

Mi novio y yo vamos al cine esta noche.

My boyfriend and I are going to the movies tonight.

Ella se comprometió con su novio de toda la vida.

She got engaged to her lifelong boyfriend.

Matching Gender: 'Novio' vs. 'Novia'

Spanish words for people often have male and female versions. Use 'novio' for a male partner and change the ending to '-a' ('novia') for a female partner.

Friend vs. Boyfriend

Mistake: “Using 'amigo' (friend) when you mean 'novio'.”

Correction: Say 'Es mi novio' to make it clear it's a romantic relationship. Saying 'Es mi amigo' just means he's a friend.

pollo

POH-yoh (The 'll' sounds like 'y' in most of Latin America and Spain)/ˈpoʝo/

nounB1informal, regional (Spain)
Use 'pollo' informally in Spain to refer to a romantic partner or an attractive guy, but be aware it's less common and regional.
A casually dressed young man with short hair smiling brightly.

Examples

Mira qué pollo más guapo está esperando el autobús.

Look what a handsome guy is waiting for the bus.

Mi hermana me presentó a su nuevo pollo el fin de semana.

My sister introduced me to her new boyfriend/guy friend over the weekend. (Spain)

Using Slang Regionally

Mistake: “Using 'pollo' to mean 'guy' outside of Spain.”

Correction: While understood, this usage is strongly associated with Spain. In Latin America, use 'chico' or 'chavo' instead, depending on the country.

Novio vs. Pollo

The most common mistake is using 'pollo' outside of Spain or in formal contexts. While 'pollo' can mean 'boyfriend' informally in Spain, 'novio' is the safe and standard choice everywhere for a romantic partner.

Related Translations

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