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"Bato" is a form of "bato", a noun which is often translated as "simpleton". "Vato" is a noun which is often translated as "dude". Learn more about the difference between "bato" and "vato" below.
el bato(
bah
-
toh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
1. (fool)
2. (slang) (relative)
A very informal word or phrase used by a particular group or community as a substitute for standard language (e.g., joint, john).
a. father
Mi bato me va a castigar si me descubre fumando.My father will punish me if he catches me smoking.
3. (colloquial) (young man) (Mexico)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Mexico
a. guy (colloquial) (United States)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in the United States
¿Quién es ese bato? - Es mi cuate, Daniel.Who's that guy? - That's my buddy, Daniel.
b. lad (colloquial) (United Kingdom)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Preguntémosle a ese bato si puede ayudarnos a empujar el carro.Let's ask that lad if he can help us push our car.
el vato(
bah
-
toh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
1. (colloquial) (man) (Mexico)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Mexico
a. dude (colloquial) (United States)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in the United States
El vato por fin anotó un gol.The dude finally scored a goal.
b. guy (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
El vato que me vendió este carro tenía un tatuaje súper padre.The guy who sold me this car had a really awesome tattoo.
