chico tonto
/t͡ʃiko tonto/from spelling rules
The English phrase "silly boy" is translated into Spanish as chico tonto.
This phrase is used to describe a boy who lacks good judgment or behaves in a foolish way.
Which one should you use?
Muchacho bobo conveys a sense of being a silly or stupid boy, whereas Niño tonto is specifically used to address young children in a playful or affectionate context.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, chico tonto is widely used when teasing friends or family. In certain Latin American countries, such as Mexico or parts of Central America, the word bobo can be used to translate "silly boy" and the word pendejo may also be used in those regions.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a girl, the phrase changes gender to chica tonta.
How do you pronounce it?
/tʃiko tonto/
Did you know?
- The word chico may have been borrowed from the Yucatec Maya word chiʼik. This shows a linguistic influence from indigenous Mexican languages on a word used globally in Spanish.
- If you call someone a pendejo in Mexico or Central America, you are using a much harsher insult than the English 'silly boy'.
Examples in context
- Ese chico tonto se olvidó las llaves.That silly boy forgot the keys.
- ¡Qué chico tonto eres!What a silly boy you are!
Example conversation
Maria sees Daniel trying to open a door that says pull while he is pushing.
- MaríaDaniel, tienes que tirar de la puerta.Daniel, you have to pull the door.
- DanielPensé que se abría empujando.I thought it opened by pushing.
- MaríaAy, qué chico tonto eres.Oh, what a silly boy you are.
- DanielEstá bien, ahora ya lo sé.It's okay, now I know.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chico, tonto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
