Inklingo

How to Say "lad" in Spanish

English → Spanish

muchacho

/moo-CHAH-choh//muˈtʃatʃo/

nounA1informal
Use 'muchacho' for a general, informal term equivalent to 'boy' when referring to a young male, without any specific affectionate or diminutive connotation.
A smiling young boy, approximately ten years old, with short brown hair, standing in a sunny green field.

Examples

El muchacho está jugando en el parque.

The boy is playing in the park.

Vi a un grupo de muchachos hablando en la esquina.

I saw a group of boys talking on the corner.

Es un buen muchacho, siempre ayuda a su familia.

He's a good lad, he always helps his family.

Changing the Ending for Girls

This word changes to 'muchacha' when you're talking about a girl. The little word in front also changes: 'el muchacho' (the boy) becomes 'la muchacha' (the girl).

Making it Plural

To talk about more than one boy, add an '-s' to make 'muchachos'. For a group of girls, it's 'muchachas'. For a mixed group of boys and girls, you use the masculine form: 'los muchachos'.

Using 'Muchacho' for an Adult Man

Mistake: “Llamé al muchacho para que arreglara la tubería.”

Correction: Llamé al hombre para que arreglara la tubería. 'Muchacho' usually refers to a boy, teenager, or very young man. Using it for a grown adult can sound a bit strange or even like you're talking down to them, unless you're much older.

jovencito

/ho-ven-SEE-toh//xoβenˈsito/

nounA2informal
Choose 'jovencito' when you want to refer to a young boy or young man in a slightly more affectionate, diminutive, or even slightly patronizing way, often implying youthfulness.
A small boy wearing a blue shirt and shorts is kneeling on a grassy hill, playing with a bright red toy car.

Examples

El jovencito que trabaja en la tienda es muy amable.

The young man (or young boy) who works at the store is very kind.

Pregúntale al jovencito si necesita ayuda con eso.

Ask the lad if he needs help with that.

The -cito Ending

The suffix '-cito' is a diminutive. It means 'little,' 'small,' or 'very.' When added to 'joven,' it often means 'very young' or is used to show affection, like calling someone a 'dear young man.'

Gender Agreement

Mistake: “Using 'jovencito' to refer to a girl.”

Correction: Remember that 'jovencito' is masculine. For a young girl, you must use the feminine form: 'jovencita'.

General vs. Affectionate Young Male

The most common mistake is using 'jovencito' when a neutral term like 'muchacho' is more appropriate. Reserve 'jovencito' for when you specifically want to emphasize youthfulness or add a touch of endearment.

Related Translations

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