chico blanco
/t͡ʃiko blanko/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'white boy' can be translated into Spanish as chico blanco.
The phrase is used to describe a boy or a young man with light skin.
Which one should you use?
While chico blanco is the standard way to say the phrase, you might use Joven blanco to sound more formal or Blanquito for an affectionate, colloquial tone. Güero is also used to refer to people with fair or light-colored skin.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term güero is a popular way to refer to people with fair or light-colored skin.
Did you know?
- The word chico is believed by some historians to be a loanword from the Yucatec Maya language word chiʼik.
- In Mexico, güero is often used as a friendly way to call out to a street vendor or stranger, regardless of whether they are actually white.
- In some Latin American contexts, referring to someone as blanco can be a way to denote a higher social class rather than just a skin color.
Examples in context
- El chico blanco que conocí en la conferencia era muy amable.The white boy I met at the conference was very kind.
- El joven blanco de cabellos rubios estaba leyendo en el parque.The young white boy with blonde hair was reading in the park.
- Mi güero favorito es el más simpático de todos.My favorite white boy is the friendliest of them all.
- Ese chico blanco es muy alto.That white boy is very tall.
- El chico blanco juega al fútbol.The white boy plays soccer.
- Vi a un chico blanco en el parque.I saw a white boy in the park.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are looking for a friend in a crowd.
- Lucía¿Dónde está tu hermano?Where is your brother?
- MateoEs el chico blanco que lleva una gorra.He is the white boy wearing a cap.
- LucíaAh, ya lo veo.Ah, I see him now.
- MateoSí, está saludando.Yes, he is waving.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries blanco, chico, CC BY-SA 4.0.
