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"Chico" is a form of "chico", an adjective which is often translated as "small". "Chaval" is a noun which is often translated as "kid". Learn more about the difference between "chaval" and "chico" below.
el chaval, la chavala(
chah
-
bahl
)This means that the noun can be masculine or feminine, depending on the gender of the noun it refers to (e.g., el doctor, la doctora).
1. (colloquial) (child or young person) (Spain)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Spain
a. kid (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Esta chavala es muy graciosa. ¿Qué edad tiene? - Solo tiene doce años.This kid is really funny. How old is she? - She's only twelve.
d. youngster
Había unos chavales bebiendo fuera de la estación.There were some youngsters drinking outside the station.
e. lad (colloquial) (masculine) (United Kingdom)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Este chaval es un genio.This lad is a genius.
f. lass (colloquial) (feminine) (United Kingdom)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
¡Qué chavala tan inteligente eres!What an intelligent lass you are!
a. kid
Escucha, chaval. Eres aún muy joven para hacer ciertas cosas.Listen, kid. You're still too young to do certain things.
chico, el chico, la chica(
chee
-
koh
)This means that the noun can be masculine or feminine, depending on the gender of the noun it refers to (e.g., el doctor, la doctora).
a. kid (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
¡Qué chico más cómico!What a funny kid!
b. boy (masculine)
A word or phrase that is masculine (e.g., el libro).
Es un chico muy perseverante.He's a very determined boy.
c. girl (feminine)
A word or phrase that is feminine (e.g., la manzana).
Es una chica muy inteligente.She's a very intelligent girl.
d. guy (masculine)
A word or phrase that is masculine (e.g., el libro).
¿Ese es el chico que te gusta? - Sí. Se llama Daniel.Is that the guy you like? - Yes. His name is Daniel.
b. girlfriend (feminine)
¿Sabías que Óscar tiene una chica nueva?Did you know Oscar has a new girlfriend?
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
5. (colloquial) (form of address)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
a. man (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Chico, no tienes idea.Man, you have no idea.
b. 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
¡Ya vámonos de aquí, chico!Let's get out of here, dude!
