chaval
casual, Spain
Spanish slang for a kid depends on the country: chaval in Spain, chamaco in Mexico and pibe in Argentina. Peque is a short affectionate form for a little one.
Meaning: a child or young person (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| chaval | casual, Spain |
| chamaco | casual, Mexico |
| pibe | casual, Argentina |
| peque | affectionate |
These words can mean a child or a young person, and they are often used for teenagers too. Peque is short for pequeño.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Venezuela chamo is also common. If you are unsure, niño and chico are understood everywhere.
Did you know?
- Pibe is strongly tied to Rioplatense speech and is heard all the time in Argentina and Uruguay.
Examples in context
- Ese chaval juega muy bien.That kid plays very well.
- El chamaco ya va a la escuela.The kid already goes to school.
- Los pibes están en la plaza.The kids are in the square.
Example conversation
Rosa asks her neighbor Tomás about his son in Mexico City.
- RosaTomás, ¿cómo está el chamaco?Tomás, how is the kid?
- TomásMuy bien, ya va en primero.Very well, he is already in first grade.
- RosaCómo pasa el tiempo.How time flies.
