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

📅 Published: December 15, 2025

🌶️ Mexican Slang

chavo

noun • /[CHA-voh]/

boy

Example:

Ese chavo me cae bien.

I like that boy.

🧠 What does chavo mean?

Chavo is a colloquial term primarily used in Mexico to refer to a boy or young man. It is an informal and friendly way to address or speak about a male youth, often implying a sense of casualness and familiarity. While its literal translation is 'boy,' its usage carries a cultural nuance specific to Mexican Spanish.

📚 Extra examples

  • El chavo nuevo de la clase es muy inteligente.
    The new boy in the class is very intelligent.
  • ¿Viste al chavo que estaba tocando la guitarra en la plaza?
    Did you see the boy who was playing the guitar in the plaza?
  • Ese chavo siempre llega tarde a la escuela.
    That boy always arrives late to school.
  • Le regalé un balón al chavo para su cumpleaños.
    I gave the boy a ball for his birthday.

💡 Did You Know?

The term 'chavo' is so ingrained in Mexican culture that it famously gave rise to the iconic television show 'El Chavo del Ocho', which featured a young orphan boy as its protagonist.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "chavo"

Synonyms: chico, muchacho, joven, niño
Opposites: chava, chica, muchacha, joven (female), niña

🔍 See more mexican slang words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'boy' in Spanish?
In standard Spanish, 'boy' is translated as 'niño' (young child) or 'chico' (boy). However, in Mexican slang, 'chavo' is commonly used for 'boy'.
How do you pronounce 'chavo' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'chavo' is roughly 'CHAH-vo'. The 'ch' sound is similar to the 'ch' in 'church', and the 'v' sound is softer than in English, closer to a 'b'.
How do you use 'chavo' in a sentence?
'Chavo' is used as a noun, typically referring to a male youth. It can be used to talk about a specific boy or in a more general sense. For example, 'El chavo es alto' (The boy is tall).
What is the English translation of 'chavo'?
The most common English translation of 'chavo' is 'boy'. It can also be understood as 'kid' or 'young man' depending on the context.
Does 'chavo' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'chavo' changes for number. The plural form is 'chavos'. It does not typically change for gender; 'chava' is used for a girl or young woman.
Is 'chavo' common in everyday Spanish?
'Chavo' is very common in everyday spoken Spanish, particularly in Mexico. It is widely understood and used in informal settings.
Does 'chavo' have slang or double meanings?
While primarily meaning 'boy,' in some contexts, 'chavo' can also be used to refer to money, especially in slang. However, its most prevalent meaning relates to a young male.
Is 'chavo' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
'Chavo' is predominantly a Mexican term. In Spain, terms like 'chico' or 'niño' are more common for 'boy'. While some Latin American countries might understand 'chavo', it is most strongly associated with Mexican usage.

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