Inklingo

How to Say "youngster" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “youngster” is “chaval” — use 'chaval' for a general, informal term for a young person or teenager, especially in Spain. It's a very common and versatile word for 'kid' or 'youngster'.

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chaval

cha-VALtʃaˈβal

nounA2informal
Use 'chaval' for a general, informal term for a young person or teenager, especially in Spain. It's a very common and versatile word for 'kid' or 'youngster'.
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-tohxoβenˈsito

nounA2
Choose 'jovencito' to refer specifically to a young male, often implying a slightly more polite or descriptive tone than 'chaval'. It can mean 'young man' or 'young boy'.
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'.

pendejo

pen-DEH-hopenˈde.xo

nounC1informal, regional
Use 'pendejo' to refer to a boy or teenager, particularly in Latin America, but be aware it can also be a mild insult depending on the context and region.
A small child playing with a bright red toy car on a carpet.

Examples

Había un grupo de pendejos jugando fútbol en la calle.

There was a group of kids playing soccer in the street.

Ese pendejo cree que lo sabe todo.

That brat thinks he knows everything.

Regional Meaning Shift

In the 'Southern Cone' (South America), this word refers to age rather than intelligence.

Mixing up regions

Mistake: “Calling a child a 'pendejo' in Mexico thinking you are saying 'kid'.”

Correction: Only use this to mean 'kid' if you are in Argentina, Uruguay, or Peru. In Mexico, you would be insulting the child's intelligence.

cachorro

ka-CHOH-rrohkaˈtʃoro

nounB2figurative, specific group
Employ 'cachorro' when referring to a young person within a political or social group, implying they are new, eager, and perhaps a bit naive.
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 Youngster

The most common mistake is using a specific term like 'cachorro' (young political member) or 'pendejo' (often with negative or regional connotations) when a general term like 'chaval' or 'jovencito' is more appropriate. Always consider if you need a neutral, informal, or specific descriptor.

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