tío
casual, Spain
Slang for "man" or "guy" includes tío in Spain, tipo across many countries and vato in northern Mexico.
Meaning: a guy (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| tío | casual, Spain |
| tipo | casual |
| vato | casual, northern Mexico |
Tío is also a way to address a friend, like "dude" in English. Tipo is mostly used when talking about a man.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico güey is a very common casual word too, but it can be insulting from strangers.
Did you know?
- In Spain tía is the female form, used the same way for a woman or a female friend.
Examples in context
- Ese tío es muy simpático.That guy is very nice.
- Un tipo me preguntó la hora.A guy asked me the time.
- Ese vato canta bien.That guy sings well.
Example conversation
Álvaro and Pepe talk about a new neighbor in Zaragoza.
- Álvaro¿Conoces al tío del segundo?Do you know the guy on the second floor?
- PepeSí, es majo.Yes, he is nice.
- ÁlvaroMe prestó una escalera.He lent me a ladder.
