Inklingo

How to Say "young man" in Spanish

English → Spanish

muchacho

/moo-CHAH-choh//muˈtʃatʃo/

nounA1general
Use 'muchacho' for a boy or a young man, generally in his teens or early twenties, often implying a slightly younger or more boyish image than 'joven'.
A smiling young boy, approximately ten years old, with short brown hair, standing in a sunny green field.

Examples

El muchacho ayudó a la señora mayor a cruzar la calle.

The young man helped the elderly lady cross the street.

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.

pollo

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

nounB1informal, Spain
Use 'pollo' informally in Spain to refer to an attractive young man, often in his late teens or early twenties, similar to 'hunk' or 'stud' but more lighthearted.
A casually dressed young man with short hair smiling brightly.

Examples

¡Qué pollo tan simpático! Seguro que tiene novia.

What a nice-looking guy! I'm sure he has a girlfriend.

Mira qué pollo más guapo está esperando el autobús.

Look what a handsome guy is waiting for the bus. (Spain)

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.

Confusing 'muchacho' and 'pollo'

The main confusion arises because 'muchacho' is a general term for a boy or young man, while 'pollo' is a very informal, regional (Spain) slang term for an attractive young man. Using 'pollo' outside of informal Spanish contexts in Spain can sound odd or even disrespectful.

Related Translations

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