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How to Say "cheeky" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pillo

PEE-yoh/ˈpiʎo/

adjectiveA2informal
Use 'pillo' when describing someone, often a child, who is playfully bold or mischievous, like finding hidden treats.
A young child with bright eyes and a mischievous smile peeking out from behind a bright blue curtain, holding a single wrapped piece of candy.

Examples

Mi hijo es muy pillo; siempre encuentra dónde escondí los dulces.

My son is very mischievous; he always finds where I hid the candy.

¡Qué pillo eres! Me engañaste con esa broma.

What a cheeky person you are! You fooled me with that joke.

Gender and Number

Like many Spanish adjectives, 'pillo' must match the person or thing it describes: 'pillo' (masculine singular), 'pilla' (feminine singular), 'pillos' (masculine plural), 'pillas' (feminine plural).

atrevido

/ah-treh-VEE-doh//atɾeˈβiðo/

adjectiveB1
Choose 'atrevido' when someone is being slightly rude or disrespectful, especially towards authority or elders.
A small child playfully sticking their tongue out while hiding behind a wooden chair.

Examples

¡No seas atrevido! Respeta a tus mayores.

Don't be cheeky! Respect your elders.

Le hizo una pregunta muy atrevida a su jefe.

He asked his boss a very forward question.

Tone Matters

Mistake: “Using it with a boss or stranger.”

Correction: Only use it with people you know well unless you intend to be critical.

chulo

/CHOO-loh//ˈtʃulo/

adjectiveB1informal
Use 'chulo' when someone is talking back assertively or acting overly bold and perhaps a bit cocky.
A peacock with its colorful feathers fanned out, standing tall.

Examples

No te pongas chulo conmigo.

Don't get cocky with me.

Es un poco chulo, se cree el mejor.

He's a bit cocky; he thinks he's the best.

Changing Attitude

Use the verb 'ponerse' (to become/to get) with 'chulo' to describe someone acting cocky in a specific moment.

Ser vs. Estar

Mistake: “Using 'ser' when someone is just being temporarily cheeky.”

Correction: Use 'ponerse chulo' for temporary behavior.

fresco

FRES-koh/ˈfɾesko/

adjectiveB2informal
Opt for 'fresco' when describing someone who is impudent or brazen, showing a lack of respect in a more audacious way.
A mischievous fox cub sticking its tongue out in a cheeky manner at a large, surprised owl.

Examples

Es muy fresco, le pidió dinero a su jefe el primer día.

He is very cheeky/brazen; he asked his boss for money on the first day.

¡Qué fresca! Se saltó toda la fila.

How rude/shameless! She skipped the whole line.

Using 'Ser' for Personality

When 'fresco' describes someone's personality trait (being permanently cheeky or rude), always use the verb 'ser': 'Él es fresco'.

Playful vs. Disrespectful Cheekiness

The most common mistake is confusing 'pillo' (playful boldness) with 'atrevido' or 'fresco' (actual rudeness or impudence). 'Pillo' is usually endearing, while the others carry a negative connotation of disrespect.

Related Translations

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