Inklingo

How to Say "kid" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “kid” is “chico” — use this informal term for a young boy or girl, especially when they are children or teenagers, in everyday conversation..

chico🔊A1

Use this informal term for a young boy or girl, especially when they are children or teenagers, in everyday conversation.

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nene🔊A1

This is a very common, colloquial term for a very young child, often used affectionately by parents or family.

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críoA2

Use this as a general, informal reference to any young child, often implying they are quite young and perhaps a bit boisterous.

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chaval🔊A2

This term refers to a young person, typically an adolescent or a young adult, often used in Spain.

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hijo🔊B1

While literally meaning 'son', this is used informally as a term of endearment or gentle instruction when addressing a much younger person, like a father would to his child.

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pequeñoB1

Use this colloquial term to refer to a small child, emphasizing their size and youth, often affectionately.

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English → Spanish

chico

/CHEE-ko//ˈtʃiko/

NounA1Informal
Use this informal term for a young boy or girl, especially when they are children or teenagers, in everyday conversation.
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.

nene

NEH-neh/ˈne.ne/

NounA1Colloquial
This is a very common, colloquial term for a very young child, often used affectionately by parents or family.
A storybook illustration of a happy toddler boy wearing blue pajamas, crawling on a brightly colored rug.

Examples

El nene de mi hermana ya camina solo.

My sister's little boy already walks by himself.

Tienes que cambiarle el pañal al nene.

You have to change the baby's diaper.

Los nenes están jugando en el parque.

The kids are playing in the park.

Masculine/Feminine Pair

Remember that 'nene' refers to a male child. The feminine form, 'nena,' is used for a little girl.

crío

NounA2Informal
Use this as a general, informal reference to any young child, often implying they are quite young and perhaps a bit boisterous.

Examples

Ese crío siempre está corriendo por la calle.

That kid is always running through the street.

chaval

/cha-VAL//tʃaˈβal/

NounA2Informal
This term refers to a young person, typically an adolescent or a young adult, often used in Spain.
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'.

hijo

/ee-hoh//'ixo/

NounB1Informal
While literally meaning 'son', this is used informally as a term of endearment or gentle instruction when addressing a much younger person, like a father would to his child.
An older, kind-looking shopkeeper speaking warmly to a younger man, patting him on the shoulder.

Examples

Ten cuidado en la calle, hijo.

Be careful on the street, son.

Gracias por la ayuda, hijo. Eres muy amable.

Thanks for the help, kid. You're very kind.

pequeño

NounB1Colloquial
Use this colloquial term to refer to a small child, emphasizing their size and youth, often affectionately.

Examples

El pequeño está durmiendo la siesta.

The little one is taking a nap.

Choosing between 'chico' and 'crío'

Learners often confuse 'chico' and 'crío'. While both refer to a young person, 'chico' is a more general term for a boy or girl (child/teen), whereas 'crío' specifically implies a very young child, often used when they are being particularly energetic or noisy.

Related Translations

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