Inklingo

How to Say "lad" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “lad” is “muchacho” — use this for a general, informal term for a boy or young man, similar to 'boy' in English, suitable for most everyday situations.

muchacho🔊A1

Use this for a general, informal term for a boy or young man, similar to 'boy' in English, suitable for most everyday situations.

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chiquillo🔊A2

This is an informal and often affectionate term for a young boy or kid, implying a slightly younger age than 'muchacho'.

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muchachito🔊A1

Use this diminutive form when referring to a very young boy, often with an added sense of endearment or to emphasize his smallness.

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jovencito🔊A2

This term refers to a young man or older boy, often used affectionately or to describe someone who is still young but perhaps a bit more mature than a 'chiquillo'.

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mozo🔊B1

This word can refer to a young man, but it can also sound more traditional or even slightly formal depending on the region; it's less common for a child.

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English → Spanish

muchacho

moo-CHAH-chohmuˈtʃatʃo

nounA1informal
Use this for a general, informal term for a boy or young man, similar to 'boy' in English, suitable for most everyday situations.
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.

chiquillo

chee-KEE-yohtʃiˈkiʝo

nounA2informal
This is an informal and often affectionate term for a young boy or kid, implying a slightly younger age than 'muchacho'.
A cheerful young boy wearing a striped shirt and shorts, smiling and playing outside.

Examples

Ese chiquillo corre muy rápido.

That kid runs very fast.

De chiquillo, me encantaba jugar con aviones.

When I was a little boy, I loved playing with airplanes.

¡Vengan aquí, chiquillos! La cena está lista.

Come here, kids! Dinner is ready.

The 'Small' Ending

This word uses the '-illo' ending, which is a way Spanish speakers make a word sound smaller or more affectionate. It's like adding 'y' to 'dog' to make 'doggy'.

Gender Matters

This version ends in 'o,' so it specifically refers to a boy. If you want to talk about a girl, you must change it to 'chiquilla'.

Using it for girls

Mistake: “Esa chiquillo es inteligente.”

Correction: Esa chiquilla es inteligente. Remember that words describing people usually have to match their gender.

muchachito

moo-cha-CHEE-tohmutʃaˈtʃito

nounA1informal
Use this diminutive form when referring to a very young boy, often with an added sense of endearment or to emphasize his smallness.
A cheerful young boy wearing a striped shirt and shorts, smiling and waving.

Examples

El muchachito está jugando con su perro en el jardín.

The little boy is playing with his dog in the garden.

¿Quién es ese muchachito que está sentado allí?

Who is that young fellow sitting there?

Mi abuela siempre me llama 'muchachito' aunque ya tengo veinte años.

My grandma always calls me 'little boy' even though I'm already twenty.

The '-ito' Ending

In Spanish, adding '-ito' to the end of a word (like changing 'muchacho' to 'muchachito') makes it mean something is smaller or adds a sense of affection and warmth.

Gender Agreement

This word ends in '-o', which means it refers to a male. If you are talking about a little girl, you must change it to 'muchachita'.

Using it for girls

Mistake: “Esa muchachito es muy inteligente.”

Correction: Esa muchachita es muy inteligente. You must use the '-a' ending when referring to a female.

jovencito

ho-ven-SEE-tohxoβenˈsito

nounA2informal, often affectionate
This term refers to a young man or older boy, often used affectionately or to describe someone who is still young but perhaps a bit more mature than a 'chiquillo'.
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'.

mozo

MO-soˈmoso

nounB1informal or traditional
This word can refer to a young man, but it can also sound more traditional or even slightly formal depending on the region; it's less common for a child.
A cheerful young man standing outdoors wearing a simple t-shirt and jeans.

Examples

Ese mozo es el más fuerte del pueblo.

That young man is the strongest in town.

Se casó cuando todavía era un mozo.

He got married when he was still a lad.

Los mozos del barrio suelen jugar fútbol aquí.

The neighborhood youths usually play soccer here.

Adjective use

While usually a naming word, 'mozo' can sometimes act like a description (adjective) meaning 'young', though this is mostly found in older books.

Handsome vs. Waiter

Mistake: “Thinking 'buen mozo' means 'a good waiter'.”

Correction: In most of Latin America, 'buen mozo' specifically means 'handsome'. To say a waiter is good at his job, say 'un buen mesero' or 'un buen mozo' (but the context must be clear).

Choosing Between 'Muchacho' and 'Chiquillo'

The most common confusion is between 'muchacho' and 'chiquillo'. 'Muchacho' is a safe, general term for 'boy'. Use 'chiquillo' when you specifically want to emphasize that the person is a young child or kid, often with a touch of affection.

Related Translations

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