Inklingo

How to Say "youngster" in Spanish

English → Spanish

chaval

/cha-VAL//tʃaˈβal/

nounA2informal
Use 'chaval' for a general, informal term for a young person, often a teenager or young adult, especially 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'.

jovencito

/ho-ven-SEE-toh//xoβenˈsito/

nounA2
Choose 'jovencito' to refer to a young boy or very young man, often implying a slightly more formal or descriptive tone than 'chaval'.
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'.

cachorro

/ka-CHOH-rroh//kaˈtʃoro/

nounB2figurative/political
Employ 'cachorro' specifically when referring to a young person within a political or social group, implying eagerness and a desire for change.
A young person wearing a colorful scarf standing confidently in front of a cheering crowd.

Examples

Los cachorros del partido quieren cambios rápidos.

The party youngsters want quick changes.

General vs. Specific Use

Learners often use 'chaval' or 'jovencito' too broadly, overlooking the specific, often figurative, use of 'cachorro' for young members of a group or organization. Remember 'cachorro' is rarely used for just any young person.

Related Translations

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