Inklingo

How to Say "boyfriend" in Spanish

English → Spanish

novio

NOH-byohˈno.βjo

nounA1general
Use 'novio' when referring to someone in a committed romantic relationship, indicating a boyfriend or fiancé.
A young man and a young woman standing close together, holding hands and smiling, symbolizing a boyfriend and girlfriend.

Examples

Mi novio me regaló flores.

My boyfriend gave me flowers.

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.

man

mahnman

nounB1informal
Use 'man' informally to refer to a male romantic partner, similar to 'guy' or 'dude' in English, often implying a casual or established relationship.
A friendly young man wearing a t-shirt and jeans, waving with a smile.

Examples

Ese man es muy buena gente.

That guy is a really nice person.

¿Viste lo que hizo el man?

Did you see what the guy did?

Mi man me invitó a cenar.

My guy (boyfriend) invited me to dinner.

A Borrowed Word

This word is taken directly from the English word 'man.' Even though it looks English, it follows Spanish grammar rules for the most part when used in conversation.

Making it Plural

In many countries like Colombia, people make this word plural by adding '-es' to the end, resulting in 'manes' (the guys).

Don't use it in Spain

Mistake: “Using 'man' to mean 'guy' in Madrid.”

Correction: In Spain, people use 'tío' or 'chaval.' Using 'man' might confuse locals or sound very foreign.

Assuming it refers to humanity

Mistake: “Using 'man' to mean 'mankind' in Spanish.”

Correction: In Spanish, 'man' is only used for a specific guy. To talk about mankind, use 'la humanidad'.

pollo

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

nounB1informal, Spain
Use 'pollo' in Spain as an informal and somewhat colloquial term for a romantic partner or an attractive young man.
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.

Choosing Between 'Novio' and Informal Terms

The most common mistake is using informal terms like 'man' or 'pollo' in situations where 'novio' is more appropriate, such as in more formal settings or when speaking to someone unfamiliar with slang. Always default to 'novio' unless you are certain the informal term is suitable and understood.

Related Translations

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