Lael logo

chamaco means boy — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: March 20, 2026

🌶️ Mexican Slang

chamaco

noun • /[cha-MA-ko]/

boy

Example:

Ese chamaco juega fútbol todo el día.

That boy plays soccer all day.

🧠 What does chamaco mean?

Chamaco is a common slang term in Mexico used to refer to a young boy or a child. It is an informal word and is widely understood within Mexican Spanish-speaking communities. While its primary meaning is 'boy,' it can sometimes extend to mean 'kid' or 'youngster' more generally, regardless of gender, though it is grammatically masculine.

📚 Extra examples

  • Ese chamaco siempre está jugando en el parque.
    That boy is always playing in the park.
  • Los chamacos pidieron helado después de la cena.
    The boys asked for ice cream after dinner.
  • Mi sobrino es un chamaco muy travieso.
    My nephew is a very mischievous kid.
  • Los chamacos modernos usan mucha tecnología.
    Modern kids use a lot of technology.

💡 Did You Know?

While 'chamaco' is primarily used for boys, the feminine form 'chamaca' does exist and refers to a girl. However, the masculine 'chamaco' is more frequently used and can sometimes even encompass 'kids' in general in informal Mexican speech.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "chamaco"

Synonyms: niño (standard), chico (standard), muchacho (standard), chamaquito (diminutive, often affectionate)
Opposites: muchacha (girl, standard), chica (girl, standard), niña (girl, standard), chamaca (girl, slang)

🔍 See more mexican slang words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'boy' in Spanish?
The standard word for 'boy' in Spanish is 'niño' or 'chico'. 'Chamaco' is a slang term primarily used in Mexico.
How do you pronounce 'chamaco' in Spanish?
'Chamaco' is pronounced cha-MAH-koh. The stress is on the second syllable, 'ma'.
How do you use 'chamaco' in a sentence?
'Chamaco' is used as a noun to refer to a boy or young male. For example, 'El chamaco está aprendiendo a andar en bicicleta' (The boy is learning to ride a bicycle).
What is the English translation of 'chamaco'?
The primary English translation of 'chamaco' is 'boy'. It can also mean 'kid' or 'youngster' in informal contexts.
Does 'chamaco' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'chamaco' is masculine singular. The plural is 'chamacos'. While less common, a feminine form 'chamaca' exists and is used for a girl or young female, though 'chamaquita' or 'niña' are more frequent.
Is 'chamaco' common in everyday Spanish?
'Chamaco' is very common in everyday spoken Spanish in Mexico. It is part of the colloquial vocabulary.
Does 'chamaco' have slang or double meanings?
In its most common usage, 'chamaco' does not have significant double meanings and is understood as referring to a young male. It's informal slang for 'boy'.
Is 'chamaco' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
'Chamaco' is predominantly a Mexican slang term. It is not commonly used in Spain or in many other Latin American countries, where 'niño', 'chico', or other regional terms would be preferred.

📱 Download the App

Get reminders · Save favorites · Share words

Lael App Logo

Lael: Spanish Word of the Day

Download on the App Store