Niño or chico?

Question

Which of the two is more appropriate to use when talking to a young man (e.g. a 20-year-old) with expressions like 'heya, big boy' or 'hai, busy boy'?

Answer 1

Hi and welcome to the forum.

You could use "muchacho" or "chico" but "niño" is for a much younger boy.

If you are trying to be cute and sort of flirty, I'd say "Hola, Guapo."

Gracias, that was very informative :) - Manity, Jan 4, 2013

Yes! - francobollo, Jan 4, 2013

Answer 2

You could also use 'tío' which translates to 'dude' and is used commonly between friends!

But only in Spain - francobollo, Jan 4, 2013

Yeah, regional differences occur here! Thanks Franco! - DevinaS, Jan 4, 2013

Answer 3

hi ¡ I am from Nicaragua Mariana is right

muchacho is used for a teen, " chico" se refiere mas a su estatura o sea pequeño (small)

Answer 4

Then you have a whole myriad of regional options:

Chamaco, cuate, chamo, chavo, ché, tío, pana, pibe, etc.

Oh boy, the possibilities are mind-boggling :) - Manity, Jan 4, 2013

Answer 5

I support Mariana's answer

Answer 6

So much of these vary a lot by region and group. I think Mariana´s chico and muchacho seem, to me so far, the most universal. Also ditto her comment on niño being only for a young boy. I´ve heard some Mexicans, and a lot of Argentinians use Flaco or Gordo too, without regards to looks. I know a couple others, but am not sure how to spell them. Chicos is always easy and safe.

Answer 7

joven, muchacho