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How to Say "young man" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “young man” is “muchacho” — use 'muchacho' for a general term for a boy or young man, typically in his late teens or early twenties, in a neutral context.

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muchacho

moo-CHAH-chohmuˈtʃatʃo

nounA1
Use 'muchacho' for a general term for a boy or young man, typically in his late teens or early twenties, in a neutral context.
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 young man 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.

mozo

MO-soˈmoso

nounB1
Choose 'mozo' to refer to a lad or youth, often implying a slightly more mature or established young man, especially in certain regions or contexts.
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).

muchachito

moo-cha-CHEE-tohmutʃaˈtʃito

nounA1informal, affectionate
Employ 'muchachito' as an informal or affectionate term for a younger male, like a boy or a very young teenager.
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.

pollo

POH-yoh (The 'll' sounds like 'y' in most of Latin America and Spain)ˈpoʝo

nounB1informal, colloquial (Spain)
Use 'pollo' specifically in Spain to refer to a young, attractive man, often with a casual or slightly slangy feel.
A casually dressed young man with short hair smiling brightly.

Examples

Mira qué pollo más guapo está esperando el autobús.

Look what a handsome guy is waiting for the bus.

Mi hermana me presentó a su nuevo pollo el fin de semana.

My sister introduced me to her new boyfriend/guy friend over the weekend. (Spain)

Using Slang Regionally

Mistake: “Using 'pollo' to mean 'guy' outside of Spain.”

Correction: While understood, this usage is strongly associated with Spain. In Latin America, use 'chico' or 'chavo' instead, depending on the country.

Choosing between 'muchacho' and 'muchachito'

Learners often confuse 'muchacho' and 'muchachito'. Remember that 'muchacho' is a general term for a young man, while 'muchachito' is diminutive and implies affection or a younger age, more like 'little boy'.

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