Inklingo

How to Say "guys" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “guys” is “muchachos” — use this informal term for a group of young people, often boys, but it can also refer to a mixed-gender group in a casual setting..

muchachos🔊A1

Use this informal term for a group of young people, often boys, but it can also refer to a mixed-gender group in a casual setting.

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tíosB1

This is a very common, informal term used in Spain to refer to a general group of people, similar to 'guys' or 'folks'.

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tipos🔊B1

Use this informal term to refer to a group of men, often with a slightly indifferent or even slightly negative connotation, like 'fellows' or 'blokes'.

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sujetos🔊B1

This term is often used in more formal or official contexts, like in research or legal settings, to refer to individuals being discussed or observed.

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individuos🔊B2

Use this term when referring to specific, often unknown or potentially suspicious, persons, carrying a more formal or even slightly negative tone.

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English → Spanish

muchachos

/moo-CHAH-chohs//muˈtʃa.tʃos/

NounA1informal
Use this informal term for a group of young people, often boys, but it can also refer to a mixed-gender group in a casual setting.
A simple illustration showing three young boys running and laughing in a sunny park.

Examples

Los muchachos están jugando al fútbol en el parque.

The guys are playing soccer in the park.

¡Hola, muchachos! ¿Cómo están?

Hey, guys! How are you?

Un grupo de muchachos y muchachas fue al cine.

A group of boys and girls went to the movies.

The 'Inclusive' Masculine Form

In Spanish, if a group includes even one boy among many girls, you use the masculine plural 'muchachos' to refer to everyone. It's the default for mixed groups.

Forgetting the Mixed-Group Rule

Mistake: “Seeing a group of boys and girls and thinking you must always say 'muchachos y muchachas'.”

Correction: It's more common and natural to just say 'muchachos' to include everyone. Saying both is usually for emphasis or clarification, not a requirement.

tíos

NounB1informal
This is a very common, informal term used in Spain to refer to a general group of people, similar to 'guys' or 'folks'.

Examples

¡Qué pasada, tíos! ¿Vamos al cine?

That's awesome, guys! Shall we go to the cinema?

tipos

/TEE-pos//ˈtipos/

NounB1informal
Use this informal term to refer to a group of men, often with a slightly indifferent or even slightly negative connotation, like 'fellows' or 'blokes'.
Three adult men standing together casually on a street, representing generic individuals or strangers.

Examples

Unos tipos me preguntaron la hora en la calle.

Some guys asked me for the time on the street.

¿Quiénes son esos dos tipos que están en la puerta?

Who are those two guys at the door?

No me fío de esos tipos, parecen sospechosos.

I don't trust those guys, they seem suspicious.

Using in Formal Situations

Mistake: “Referring to your new boss or a client as 'ese tipo'.”

Correction: Use 'ese señor' or 'ese hombre'. 'Tipo' is too informal and can sound disrespectful in a professional or formal context.

sujetos

soo-HEH-tohs/suˈxetos/

NounB1informal, sometimes negative or suspicious context
This term is often used in more formal or official contexts, like in research or legal settings, to refer to individuals being discussed or observed.
Three stylized, simple figures standing on a low platform under a bright spotlight, representing subjects of a study or experiment.

Examples

Los sujetos de la investigación deben firmar este formulario.

The subjects of the investigation must sign this form.

Había dos sujetos sospechosos merodeando por la calle.

There were two suspicious characters loitering on the street.

Los sujetos activos en la economía son los consumidores y las empresas.

The active parties in the economy are consumers and businesses.

Masculine Plural Noun

This word is the plural form of 'sujeto' (a person or subject). Use it to refer to multiple people, especially in official language.

Confusing Noun and Adjective

Mistake: “Using 'estos sujetos están sujetos' to mean 'these people are held' (redundancy).”

Correction: While grammatically correct, it sounds repetitive. Try 'Estas personas están atadas' (These people are tied/held).

individuos

/een-dee-BEE-dwos//indiˈβiðwos/

NounB2unknown or shady men
Use this term when referring to specific, often unknown or potentially suspicious, persons, carrying a more formal or even slightly negative tone.
Three mysterious people wearing long coats and hats pulled low, whispering in a dimly lit alleyway.

Examples

Había dos individuos merodeando por el edificio.

There were two characters/guys loitering around the building.

Informal vs. Formal Contexts

The most common mistake is using formal terms like 'individuos' or 'sujetos' in casual conversations. Stick to 'muchachos' or 'tíos' (in Spain) for everyday informal use when referring to groups of people.

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