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chico

boy

noun adjective CHEE-koh Less Common
People & Society Community

Origin: Origin disputed; possibly from Latin ciccum (a trifle) or a pre-Roman root; the adjective sense 'small' is older.

Also means

small, little (adjective)

Usage Note

Chico as a noun means 'boy' or 'guy' (ese chico = that guy), with the feminine chica (girl). As an adjective it means 'small' and is more common in Latin America than in Spain, where pequeño is preferred. In Spain chico as an adjective can sound dated or regional. It is also used as a term of address between friends: oye, chico (hey, man).

Examples

"El chico llegó tarde a clase."

Natural Translation

The boy arrived late to class.

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