chico negro
/t͡ʃiko neɡɾo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "black boy" is translated into Spanish as chico negro.
This phrase describes a male child or adolescent with dark skin.
Which one should you use?
While chico negro refers generally to a boy or adolescent, using the word niño in the phrase niño negro emphasizes that the subject is a younger child.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, the adjective negro follows the noun chico to describe the boy's skin color.
How do you pronounce it?
/tʃiko neɡɾo/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking Caribbean cultures, the word negro can be used as a term of endearment or a nickname among friends, regardless of the person's actual skin tone.
- In Mexico and Central America, the word chico was influenced by the Yucatec Maya word chiʼik, which means 'small'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, adding the suffix -ito to create negrito is not just about size but is used to convey affection and tenderness.
Examples in context
- El niño afrodescendiente juega en el parqueThe black boy is playing in the park
- El niño de piel negra es muy inteligenteThe black-skinned boy is very intelligent
- El chico negro corre muy rápido.The black boy runs very fast.
- Ese chico negro es mi primo.That black boy is my cousin.
- Vi a un chico negro en el parque.I saw a black boy in the park.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are watching children play at a park.
- Lucía¿Ves a aquel chico negro?Do you see that black boy?
- AlejandroSí, es un chico muy simpático.Yes, he is a very nice boy.
- LucíaCreo que es el hijo de María.I think he is Maria's son.
- AlejandroTienes razón, Lucía.You are right, Lucía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chico, negro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
