chiquillo
/t͡ʃikiʝo/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "little guy" is translated as chiquillo.
The term chiquillo is used to refer to boys or young children in a friendly and familiar manner. Other variations like pequeñín can also be used affectionately to refer to a small child or a young person.
Which one should you use?
While chiquillo is a standard affectionate term, chiquitín is a diminutive form that emphasizes even greater smallness or cuteness, often translated as "tiny tot" or "little one".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Chiquillo is an informal and affectionate way to refer to a child. Similarly, pequeñín is an informal diminutive used for affection.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regions such as Mexico, the diminutive form chiquitín is commonly used to refer to a little boy or a small person.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of chiquillo is chiquilla. The plural form chiquillos can refer to a group of little boys or a mixed-gender group of children.
How do you pronounce it?
/tʃikiʝo/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the term chiquillo can be used as a 'diminutive of contempt' to strip an adult of their authority or seriousness.
- The suffix -illo comes from the Latin diminutive suffix -ellus, which has been used for thousands of years to turn standard nouns into smaller versions of themselves.
- In some contexts, calling someone a chiquillo can function as a mild reprimand, similar to saying 'now look here, young man' in English.
Examples in context
- Estoy cuidando al pequeñínI'm taking care of the little guy
- Ese chiquillo es muy traviesoThat little guy is very mischievous
- El chiquitín es muy simpáticoThe little guy is very nice
- ¡Hola, chiquillo!Hello, little guy!
- Ese chiquillo es muy inteligente.That little guy is very intelligent.
- ¿Cómo está el chiquillo hoy?How is the little guy today?
- El chiquillo ya se durmió.The little guy already fell asleep.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are talking about their nephew at a park.
- DanielMira qué rápido corre el chiquillo.Look how fast the little guy runs.
- MaríaSí, Daniel, es muy travieso.Yes, Daniel, he is very mischievous.
- DanielTiene mucha energía este chiquillo.This little guy has a lot of energy.
- MaríaEs verdad, no para un segundo.It's true, he doesn't stop for a second.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry chiquillo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chiquillo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
