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

📅 Published: November 25, 2025

🌶️ Mexican Slang

ralo

adjective • /[RA-lo]/

thin

Example:

Su bigote está muy ralo.

His mustache is really thin.

🧠 What does ralo mean?

In Mexican slang, ralo is an adjective used to describe something or someone as thin, weak, or not very substantial. It can refer to physical thinness, like a slender person or an object with few parts, or it can describe something that lacks intensity or effectiveness, such as a weak signal or a thin broth.

📚 Extra examples

  • Mi abuela hace un atole muy ralo.
    My grandmother makes a very thin atole.
  • Ese árbol se ve ralo este año, necesita más agua.
    That tree looks thin this year, it needs more water.
  • La señal del teléfono está muy rala aquí afuera.
    The phone signal is very weak out here.
  • Prefiero el café más espeso, este está muy ralo.
    I prefer thicker coffee, this one is too thin.

💡 Did You Know?

In Mexico, 'ralo' is often used to describe liquids that are not concentrated enough, such as a weak coffee or a watered-down soup, highlighting its nuance beyond just physical thinness.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "ralo"

Synonyms: delgado, fino, escaso, aguado
Opposites: espeso, denso, grueso, fuerte

🔍 See more mexican slang words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'thin' in Spanish?
The most common translation for 'thin' is 'delgado' or 'fino'. However, in certain contexts in Mexico, 'ralo' can also mean thin, especially when referring to consistency or density.
How do you pronounce 'ralo' in Spanish?
'Ralo' is pronounced RAH-loh. The 'r' at the beginning is a tapped or lightly rolled 'r', the 'a' is like the 'a' in 'father', the 'l' is a standard 'l' sound, and the 'o' is like the 'o' in 'go'.
How do you use 'ralo' in a sentence?
'Ralo' is used as an adjective and agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies. For example, 'el caldo está ralo' (the broth is thin) or 'las hojas están ralas' (the leaves are sparse).
What is the English translation of 'ralo'?
The primary English translation of 'ralo' is 'thin'. Depending on the context, it can also imply 'weak', 'sparse', or 'watery'.
Does 'ralo' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'ralo' is an adjective and changes to agree with the noun it describes. The masculine singular form is 'ralo', the feminine singular is 'rala', the masculine plural is 'ralos', and the feminine plural is 'ralas'.
Is 'ralo' common in everyday Spanish?
'Ralo' is common in everyday Spanish, particularly in Mexico, where it is frequently used in informal conversations to describe things that are not dense or substantial.
Does 'ralo' have slang or double meanings?
In Mexican slang, 'ralo' primarily means thin or weak. It does not typically carry significant double meanings or vulgar connotations.
Is 'ralo' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
While 'ralo' can be understood in other parts of Latin America and even in Spain, its common usage as a descriptor for thinness, weakness, or lack of substance is particularly prevalent and idiomatic in Mexico.

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