chicos
/t͡ʃikos/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the English phrase "guys" is translated as chicos.
Chicos is an informal way to address a group of people or refer to a group of friends, similar to saying "guys" or "dudes" in English. Depending on the context, it can also literally mean "boys" or "children."
Which one should you use?
While chicos is often used to mean "guys" in a social sense, it can also literally mean "boys" or "children" depending on the context.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Chicos is an informal term best suited for friends, peers or children. In a formal setting, you should use señores to mean "gentlemen" or "sirs."
How does it change in a sentence?
The form chicos is the masculine plural and is used for a group of males or a mixed-gender group. If the group being addressed consists entirely of females, you should use the feminine plural form chicas instead.
How do you pronounce it?
/tʃikos/
Did you know?
- If you are in Spain, you might hear people use 'tíos' instead of 'chicos' to mean 'guys' or 'dudes' among friends.
- The word chico can also be used as an adjective meaning 'small'. If you say un perro chico, you are describing a 'small dog' rather than a 'boy dog'.
- Depending on the country, chico can be used as a slang term for a 'boyfriend' or 'date', which is a much more specific relationship than the English 'guy'.
Examples in context
- No me llamo "chicos".My name is not "You guys".This sentence clarifies that the speaker's name is not chicos.Tatoeba #1558781 by Shishir, translation #919136 by sacredceltic
- Con eso vale, chicos.Knock it off, guys.This sentence shows how to use chicos when telling a group to stop an action.Tatoeba #4554800 by swyter, translation #2648079 by CK
- Hola chicos, soy Mike.Hi guys, I'm Mike.This sentence demonstrates a common way to greet a group using chicos.Tatoeba #1020897 by Shishir, translation #1020895 by CP
- Oye chicos, ¿qué vamos a hacer esta tarde?Hey guys, what are we going to do this afternoon?
- ¡Hola amigos! ¿Listos para salir de fiesta?Hi guys! Ready to go out and party?
- 32 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are arriving at a party with friends.
- Daniel¡Hola chicos! ¿Cómo están todos?Hi guys! How is everyone doing?
- MaríaMuy bien, Daniel. Pasa adelante.Very well, Daniel. Come on in.
- DanielGracias, María. ¿Dónde están los chicos?Thanks, María. Where are the guys?
- MaríaEstán en la cocina.They are in the kitchen.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
