pobre chico
/pobɾe t͡ʃiko/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the phrase "poor boy" is translated as pobre chico.
The phrase is used to refer to a young male who is unfortunate or deserves pity.
Which one should you use?
The position of the adjective pobre changes the meaning of the phrase. When pobre precedes the noun, as in pobre chico, it usually means the boy is unfortunate or unlucky. If you place the adjective after the noun, such as in chico pobre, the meaning shifts to a boy who lacks financial resources or money.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you might use niño pobre or chavo pobre to refer to a poor boy.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "the poor boy", you use the definite article el before the phrase, resulting in el pobre chico.
How do you pronounce it?
/pobɾe tʃiko/
Did you know?
- The word chico is thought to be a loanword from the Yucatec Maya word chiʼik, a rare instance of Maya influence in a Romance language term for a person.
- In some contexts, pobre can be used as a standalone exclamation to express pity, similar to saying 'poor thing' in English, regardless of whether a noun like chico follows.
- The phrase pobre chico can be used sarcastically to mock someone who is complaining about a minor problem, transforming a term of pity into one of irony.
Examples in context
- El pobre chico no tenía ni idea de qué hacer.The poor boy was at a loss what to do.This sentence is useful for showing how to use the phrase pobre chico in a context where the boy is at a loss.Tatoeba #2912709 by teskmon, translation #63446 by CM
- Mi amigo es un chico sin plata, pero siempre tiene una sonrisa en el rostro.My friend is a boy without money, but he always has a smile on his face.
- Ese pobre chico perdió su perro.That poor boy lost his dog.
- El pobre chico está muy triste hoy.The poor boy is very sad today.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are talking about a neighbor's son who lost his bike.
- Daniel¿Viste que el niño perdió su bicicleta?Did you see that the boy lost his bike?
- MaríaSí, el pobre chico se veía muy afectado.Yes, the poor boy looked very upset.
- DanielPobre chico, lo siento mucho por él.Poor boy, I feel very sorry for him.
- MaríaEspero que alguien se la encuentre pronto.I hope someone finds it for him soon.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chico, pobre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
