Chico, Muchacho, and Other Spanish Words for Children

Chico, Muchacho, and Other Spanish Words for Children Chico, muchacho, nià ±o - and their feminine equivalents, chica, muchacha, and nià ±a - and just a few of the words you can use in Spanish to refer to children. But they arent all used in the same way. In most cases, youre safe to use any of the above words to refer to boys and girls. However, in some cases they can have more specialized uses. Using Chico and Chica As a general adjective, chico is simply a word for small, especially when referring to something that is smaller than other beings or things of its type. When it becomes a noun referring to people, however, it usually refers to someone of a young age rather than someone of short stature. The age of children used for chico and chica varies somewhat with region. However, it is often used as a term of affection for people other than children. For example, in Cuba it frequently is used to address friends, something like hey dude or buddy might be in American slang. It is also very common to use chica when referring to young, single women, especially ones in which men might be interested in for romantic purposes - something like the equivalent of babe. To a lesser extent, chico can fulfill a similar role. Similarly, the two terms commonly are used for girlfriend and boyfriend, respectively. The main characters in a movie, TV show or novel are often referred to as chico or chica, especially if they are young and attractive. Using Muchacho and Muchacha When referring to adolescents or teenagers, muchacho/a can usually be used interchangeably with chico/a. In most areas it isnt used often when referring to younger children. Muchacho/a can also be used to refer to a young servant or maid. Using Nià ±o and Nià ±a Nià ±o and nià ±a are more general and sometimes slightly more formal words for children. Their use might be preferred in situations where wed talk about a child in English rather than a boy or girl. For example, a school handout might say something such as Cada nià ±o debe leer un libro por mes for Each child should read one book per month. (Following the Spanish rule of gender, nià ±os can refer to a mixed group of boys and girls, not necessarily just boys. In sentences such as the above, the context suggests that cada nià ±o refers to each child, not necessarily just each boy.) Nià ±o is also used in situations where the speaker is referring to young age or inexperience in general. For example, a child soldier is a nià ±o soldado, and a street child is a nià ±o/a de la calle. Similarly, someone who is worse than a child is peor que un nià ±o - words such as chico and muchacho wouldnt work well in that context. Other Words Referring to Children Other words for talking about children include: Hijo and hija refer specifically to a son or daughter, respectively. Nià ±o/a can also be used with the same meaning if the context is clear.Criatura, a cognate of creature, is sometimes used an affectionate term. For example,  ¡Quà © criatura hermosa! might be translated loosely as What a beautiful little angel! Note that criatura is always feminine, even if it refers to a boy.Descendiente can be used as a replacement for hijo or hija; it is used much more than the English descendant. The word can be either masculine or feminine depending on whether it refers to a son or daughter. It can also refer to descendants such as great-grandchildren.Bebà © is the most common word for baby. Note that it is always masculine, even when referring to a girl.