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chaval

kid

noun chah-BAHL Rare

Origin: From Romani chavo (boy).

Also means

youngster

Usage Note

Chaval is a quintessentially Spanish (Peninsular) colloquial term for a young person or child. The feminine is chavala. It is rarely used in Latin America, where chico/chica, muchacho/muchacha, or local slang prevails. Chavales is the common plural. Tone is affectionate or casual — never formal.

Examples

"Los chavales juegan en el parque."

Natural Translation

The kids are playing in the park.

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