chlapec
/xlapet͡s/masculine
The Slovak word for boy is chlapec.
The word chlapec is used to refer to a male child.
Meaning: male child (noun)
Which one should you use?
While chlapec is the standard term for boy, the diminutive chlapček is more commonly used when referring to a young child or when expressing endearment. Additionally, the forms človeče and chlapče can express surprise or pleasure as interjections.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun chlapec changes based on its role in a sentence. The plural form is chlapci. When the boy is the direct object of a verb, such as in the phrase 'I see the boy', the form changes to chlapca.
How do you pronounce it?
/xlapets/
Did you know?
- The word chlapec is derived from the Proto-Slavic word *xolpьcь.
- Calling an adult man chlapček can be a calculated insult to make him seem small or precious.
- In some rural Slovak dialects, chlapec can refer to any unmarried young male even if he is an adult.
Examples in context
- Chlapec sa bojí tmy.The boy is afraid of the dark.This sentence shows the use of chlapec when describing a boy's fear.Tatoeba #12470218 by Dominika7, translation #1530476 by CN
- Chlapec šiel do školy.The boy went to school.This sentence uses chlapec to describe a boy going to school.Tatoeba #8963770 by Dominika7, translation #3675929 by Alaakhalid
- Tento chlapec je veľmi lenivý.This boy is very lazy.This sentence uses chlapec to describe a boy's personality.Tatoeba #12678820 by Dominika7, translation #7772290 by sharris123
- Čau, chalan! Chceš hrať futbal?Hey, boy! Do you want to play football?
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Peter and Kateřina are looking at a photo of a child.
- PeterKto je tento malý chlapec na fotke?Who is this little boy in the photo?
- KateřinaTo je môj syn.That is my son.
- PeterJe ten chlapec veľmi šikovný.That boy is very clever.
- KateřinaÁno, veľmi rád pomáha.Yes, he loves to help.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “boy” translations and entries chlapec, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chlapec, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
