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B1 sustantivo #30 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

chavales

Top 30

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces chavales en 30 secondes

Explication chavales in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'chavales' as a simple way to say 'boys' or 'kids' in Spain. It is a very common word that you will hear on the street. You don't need to worry about the complex history of the word yet. Just remember that it is plural and refers to more than one young person. You can use it to point out a group of children in a park or to say hello to a group of young friends. It is important to know that it is informal, so use it with people your own age or younger. Think of it as a more local, Spanish version of 'children'. At this stage, just focus on recognizing the word when you hear it and knowing that it means a group of young people. You might see it in simple stories or hear it in basic conversations about family and friends. It is a great word to start sounding more like a native speaker from Spain right from the beginning of your learning journey.

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'chavales' in your own sentences. You should understand that it is the plural of 'chaval'. You can use it to describe your friends or your children. For example, 'Mis chavales juegan al fútbol' (My kids play football). You should also be aware that it is mostly used in Spain. If you are talking to someone from Mexico, you might want to use 'chicos' instead. At this level, you should also learn the feminine form 'chavalas'. You can practice using 'chavales' as a greeting, like '¡Hola chavales!', which is a very natural way to say 'Hi guys!'. You will also start to notice that 'chavales' is used for teenagers, not just small children. It is a very versatile word for talking about anyone who is young. Try to use it when you are talking about groups of people in informal settings, like at a party or in a park. It will help your Spanish sound more authentic and less like a textbook.

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At the B1 level, you should understand the social nuance of 'chavales'. It is not just a word for 'kids'; it carries a sense of familiarity and affection. You will hear it used by coaches, teachers, and parents in Spain. It is a word that creates a sense of community. You should be able to use it in different contexts, such as describing a group of teenagers you saw or addressing your own group of friends. You should also be aware of its informal register and know when it is not appropriate to use it, like in a formal letter. At this level, you might also encounter the word in Spanish movies or TV shows, where it is used to make the dialogue sound more realistic. You can also start to use it with possessives, like 'nuestros chavales' (our kids/lads), to show a connection to the group. Understanding 'chavales' at this level means you are becoming more comfortable with the colloquial and regional aspects of Spanish, specifically the dialect spoken in Spain.

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of 'chavales' and its place in Spanish culture. You should understand that while it is informal, it is not slang in a negative sense; it is a standard part of colloquial Peninsular Spanish. You should be able to distinguish it from other synonyms like 'muchachos' or 'jóvenes' based on the context and the relationship between the speakers. You might also notice how the word is used in media, such as by YouTubers or in sports journalism, to create a bond with the audience. At this level, you should also be aware of the singular 'chaval' and how its meaning can change slightly—sometimes it can be used in a slightly condescending way if you are talking to an adult, as if you are calling them 'kid'. You should be able to use 'chavales' fluently in conversations about youth, education, or social groups, and you should feel confident using it to address a group of people in a casual setting in Spain.

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At the C1 level, you should explore the etymological roots of 'chavales' in the Caló language and its journey into mainstream Spanish. You should understand how the word functions as a marker of identity and social class in certain contexts. You should be able to analyze its use in literature and film, where it often serves to ground a story in a specific time and place (usually modern, urban Spain). At this level, you should also be aware of the regional variations within Spain and how 'chavales' might be replaced by words like 'guajes' in Asturias or 'rapaces' in Galicia. You should be able to use the word with all its subtle connotations—affection, authority, community, or even slight dismissal—depending on your tone and the social situation. You should also be able to explain the word to other learners, including its geographic limitations and its gender dynamics. Your use of 'chavales' should feel completely natural and well-timed within a conversation.

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At the C2 level, you should have a masterly command of 'chavales' and its sociolinguistic implications. You should be able to discuss the evolution of the word from its Romani origins to its current status as a staple of digital culture among Spanish streamers. You should understand the deep cultural resonance the word has in Spain, representing a specific type of informal, warm, and direct communication. You should be able to use 'chavales' in complex rhetorical situations, perhaps using it ironically or to evoke a specific cultural atmosphere. You should also be aware of how the word interacts with other slang and colloquialisms in different parts of Spain. At this level, you are not just using a word; you are demonstrating a deep understanding of the social fabric of Spain and how language reflects and shapes that fabric. You should be able to navigate any social situation in Spain, knowing exactly when 'chavales' is the perfect word to use and when a more formal or a different regional term would be more appropriate.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

chavales en 30 secondes

Chavales is a quintessential Spanish (from Spain) word for kids, lads, or guys, used in informal settings with a sense of warmth and community.
The word originated from the Romani language (Caló) and has become a staple of modern Spanish colloquialism, especially in digital media and sports.
While primarily masculine, 'chavales' can refer to mixed groups, though 'chavalas' is the specific term for an all-female group of young people.
It is important to avoid using 'chavales' in formal situations or in Latin America, where local equivalents like 'chavos' or 'pibes' are preferred.

The Spanish word chavales is a fascinating linguistic artifact that captures the essence of informal social interaction in Spain. At its core, it translates to youngsters, kids, or lads, but its emotional weight goes far beyond these simple English equivalents. To understand chavales, one must first look at its origins in the Caló language, which is the language of the Romani people in Spain. The word originally comes from the term 'chavó', meaning child or son. Over the centuries, it migrated from the marginalized fringes of society into the mainstream Spanish vocabulary, losing its specific ethnic association but retaining a sense of street-level authenticity and warmth. In modern Spain, you will hear this word in almost every informal context imaginable. It is the default way for a group of friends to address each other, for a coach to call his players, or for a father to refer to his children and their friends. It implies a certain level of energy, potential, and perhaps a bit of mischief. Unlike the more formal 'jóvenes' or the neutral 'chicos', chavales carries a connotation of belonging. When you call a group 'chavales', you are acknowledging them as part of a community, whether that is a neighborhood, a sports team, or a circle of friends.

Geographic Usage: It is important to note that this word is quintessentially Peninsular Spanish. While a person in Mexico or Argentina would certainly understand what you mean, they would likely find it a bit strange to hear it in daily conversation, as they have their own local equivalents like 'chavos' or 'pibes'. In Spain, however, it is ubiquitous from Madrid to Seville.

¡Venga, chavales, que llegamos tarde al partido!

Age Nuance: While it primarily refers to children and teenagers, it is very common for older adults to use it when referring to people in their twenties or even thirties, especially if the speaker is significantly older. It maintains a sense of 'youth' regardless of the actual biological age of the subjects.

Esos chavales de la universidad siempre están estudiando en la biblioteca.

Gender Dynamics: In the plural form, 'chavales' is often used as a masculine generic to refer to a mixed group of boys and girls. However, if the group is exclusively female, 'chavalas' is the correct and equally common term to use.

Mis chavales son lo más importante que tengo en la vida.

¿Has visto a los chavales que viven en el piso de arriba?

Eran unos chavales muy educados y simpáticos.

Finally, the word has seen a massive resurgence in the digital age, particularly among Spanish YouTubers and streamers who frequently address their audience as 'chavales'. This has cemented the word's place in the vocabulary of the younger generation, making it feel both traditional and modern at the same time.

Using chavales correctly requires an understanding of both grammar and social context. Grammatically, it is a masculine plural noun. It follows the standard rules for Spanish nouns ending in a consonant, where you add '-es' to form the plural from the singular 'chaval'. Because it is a noun, it must agree with its articles and adjectives in both gender and number. For example, you would say 'los chavales jóvenes' (the young lads) or 'estos chavales' (these kids).

Vocative Use: One of the most frequent ways to use 'chavales' is as a vocative, which means you are using it to address a group directly. In this case, it often appears at the beginning or end of a sentence to grab attention. '¡Hola, chavales!' is the classic informal greeting. It is the equivalent of saying 'Hey guys!' or 'Hi everyone!' in a casual setting.

¿Qué pasa, chavales? ¿A qué vamos a jugar hoy?

Possessive Contexts: When used with a possessive adjective like 'mis' (my), the meaning can shift slightly depending on who is speaking. A parent saying 'mis chavales' is talking about their children. A teacher or a coach might use it to refer to their students or players with a sense of pride and responsibility. It conveys a protective and affectionate relationship.

Mis chavales ya son todos unos hombres y tienen sus propios trabajos.

Descriptive Use: You can also use 'chavales' to describe a group of people you are observing. In this context, it is often accompanied by demonstrative adjectives like 'esos' (those) or 'aquellos' (those over there). It is a neutral but informal way to identify a group of young people without using more clinical terms like 'adolescentes'.

Había un grupo de chavales haciendo skate en la plaza mayor.

No hagáis mucho ruido, que los chavales están durmiendo arriba.

Ayer vi a unos chavales ayudando a una señora mayor con las bolsas de la compra.

Es increíble lo rápido que crecen estos chavales, ya no los reconozco.

When constructing sentences, pay attention to the level of formality. You would never use 'chavales' in a formal business letter or a legal document. However, in a blog post, a casual email, or a conversation at a bar, it is perfectly appropriate. It adds a touch of local flavor and shows that you are comfortable with the everyday language of Spain. If you are in Latin America, you might swap 'chavales' for 'muchachos' or 'chicos' to better fit the local dialect, but the grammatical structure remains the same.

To truly master chavales, you need to immerse yourself in the environments where it thrives. In Spain, this word is the soundtrack of daily life. If you walk past a school during recess, you will hear teachers shouting '¡Chavales, entrad ya!' (Kids, come in now!). If you go to a local football pitch on a Saturday morning, you will hear coaches encouraging their teams with '¡Vamos, chavales, con fuerza!' (Let's go, lads, with strength!). These are the natural habitats of the word, where it serves as a bridge between authority and affection.

Social Media and Streaming: Perhaps the most prominent place to hear 'chavales' today is on platforms like YouTube and Twitch. Famous Spanish streamers like Ibai Llanos or TheGrefg often start their broadcasts with '¿Qué pasa, chavales?' This has turned the word into a sort of digital handshake, a way to build a community with millions of viewers. It makes the audience feel like they are part of a close-knit group of friends, even if they are watching from thousands of miles away.

Muy buenas a todos, chavales, bienvenidos a un nuevo vídeo.

Family and Neighborhoods: In residential neighborhoods, 'chavales' is used by neighbors to talk about the local youth. You might hear someone say, 'Los chavales del barrio siempre están jugando en el parque' (The neighborhood kids are always playing in the park). It is a word that defines the social fabric of a community. In families, grandparents often use it to refer to their grandchildren, regardless of how old they actually are, as a way to maintain that sense of familial hierarchy and love.

Aquellos chavales de allí son los hijos de mi prima María.

¡Eh, chavales! ¿Queréis un poco de tarta que ha sobrado del cumpleaños?

Me gusta ver a los chavales tan ilusionados con el viaje de fin de curso.

Cuando éramos chavales, pasábamos todo el verano en el pueblo de los abuelos.

Ese grupo de chavales tiene mucho talento para la música urbana.

You will also find 'chavales' in Spanish cinema and television, particularly in shows that depict realistic, everyday life. It is used to add a layer of authenticity to the dialogue. If a character uses 'chavales', they are immediately coded as being from a certain social background—usually working-class or middle-class, and definitely someone who is 'of the people'. It is a word that lacks pretension and celebrates the simple joy of youth and friendship.

While chavales is a relatively straightforward word, there are several pitfalls that English speakers often fall into. The most common mistake is misjudging the level of formality. Because 'chavales' is so common in Spain, learners sometimes think it can be used in any situation. However, using it in a formal setting, such as a job interview or when addressing a high-ranking official, would be seen as highly inappropriate and potentially disrespectful. It is a word that belongs to the street, the home, and the bar, not the boardroom.

Regional Misplacement: Another frequent error is using 'chavales' in Latin America. While people will understand you, it will sound very 'Spanish' (from Spain). If your goal is to blend in with locals in Mexico, Colombia, or Argentina, you should avoid 'chavales' and use their local terms. In Mexico, 'chavos' is the closest equivalent, while in Argentina, 'pibes' is the word of choice. Using the wrong regional term can make your Spanish sound like a strange mix of dialects.

Incorrect: (In a meeting) Buenos días, chavales, vamos a empezar la presentación.

Gender Agreement: Learners often forget that 'chavales' has a feminine form: 'chavalas'. If you are addressing a group of girls, using 'chavales' is technically incorrect, although in mixed groups, the masculine 'chavales' is the standard. However, if you want to be more inclusive or specific, using 'chavales y chavalas' or just 'chavalas' for an all-female group is much better.

Correct for girls: ¡Hola, chavalas! ¿Cómo va la tarde?

Escucha, chaval, no me hables en ese tono. (Here, it is used to assert dominance).

No confundas a los chavales con explicaciones demasiado complicadas.

Esos chavales son un poco traviesos, pero tienen buen corazón.

¿Vienen los chavales a cenar esta noche o se quedan fuera?

Lastly, don't confuse 'chavales' with 'caballos' (horses) or 'caballeros' (gentlemen). While they might sound vaguely similar to a beginner, they are completely different words. 'Chavales' is about youth and informality, while 'caballeros' is the height of formality. Mixing them up could lead to some very funny, or very awkward, situations. Always remember that 'chavales' is plural; if you are talking about one person, use 'chaval'.

The Spanish language is rich with synonyms for young people, and choosing the right one depends entirely on where you are and who you are talking to. While chavales is the king of informal Spanish in Spain, there are many other options that you should be aware of to enrich your vocabulary and understand different dialects.

Chicos vs. Chavales: 'Chicos' is perhaps the most neutral and widely understood alternative. It is used across the entire Spanish-speaking world. While 'chavales' feels more 'street' and specifically Spanish, 'chicos' is safe in almost any informal or semi-formal context. If you are unsure which one to use, 'chicos' is the safer bet, but 'chavales' will make you sound more like a native Spaniard.

Comparison: Los chicos están en clase. vs. Los chavales están en el parque.

Muchachos: 'Muchachos' is another common term, particularly in Latin America and in more traditional or rural areas of Spain. It can sound slightly more old-fashioned than 'chavales' or 'chicos'. In some countries, like Colombia or Venezuela, it is the standard way to address a group of friends.

¡Oigan, muchachos! Vengan para acá un momento.

Jóvenes: This is the formal term. You will see it in newspapers, on news broadcasts, and in academic settings. If a politician is talking about the youth of the country, they will use 'los jóvenes'. Using 'chavales' in that context would sound too informal and unprofessional.

El gobierno ha anunciado nuevas becas para los jóvenes emprendedores.

En Asturias, es común usar la palabra guajes para referirse a los niños o chavales.

En Galicia, podrías escuchar rapaces con un significado muy similar.

Los chamos en Venezuela usan esta palabra constantemente entre amigos.

Understanding these alternatives allows you to navigate the diverse landscape of the Spanish-speaking world. While 'chavales' is your best friend in Spain, being aware of 'chicos', 'muchachos', 'pibes', and 'chamos' ensures that you can communicate effectively no matter where your travels take you. Each word carries its own history and regional pride, much like 'chavales' does for the people of Spain.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

Many common Spanish slang words, like 'gachó' (man) or 'parné' (money), share this same Caló origin, reflecting the deep influence of Romani culture on Spanish street language.

Guide de prononciation

UK /tʃəˈvɑːleɪs/

US /tʃəˈvɑleɪs/

The stress is on the second syllable: cha-VA-les.

Rime avec

puñales metales cristales animales reales frutales canales sociales

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'ch' as 'sh' (shavales).
Putting the stress on the first syllable (CHAvales).
Pronouncing the 'v' as a hard English 'v' instead of a soft Spanish 'b/v' sound.
Forgetting to pronounce the 's' at the end clearly.
Making the 'e' sound like an English 'ee'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text once learned.

Écriture 2/5

Easy, but remember the plural '-es' ending.

Expression orale 2/5

Requires correct stress on the second syllable.

Écoute 2/5

Common in fast, informal speech in Spain.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

chico niño joven amigo plural

Apprends ensuite

tío colega guay molar pibe

Avancé

sociolingüística etimología caló registro dialectología

Grammaire à connaître

Pluralization of nouns ending in a consonant

chaval -> chavales

Gender agreement with articles

los chavales / las chavalas

Vocative comma usage

Hola, chavales.

Possessive adjective agreement

mis chavales / nuestro chaval

Demonstrative adjective agreement

estos chavales / aquellas chavalas

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Exemples par niveau

Hola chavales, ¿cómo estáis?

Hi kids, how are you?

Vocative use of the plural noun.

Los chavales juegan en el parque.

The kids are playing in the park.

Subject of the sentence with a definite article.

Hay muchos chavales en la escuela.

There are many kids in the school.

Used with 'hay' to indicate existence.

Esos chavales son mis amigos.

Those kids are my friends.

Used with a demonstrative adjective 'esos'.

Mira a los chavales con el perro.

Look at the kids with the dog.

Direct object with the preposition 'a'.

Los chavales tienen hambre.

The kids are hungry.

Standard subject-verb agreement.

¡Adiós, chavales!

Goodbye, kids!

Common informal farewell.

Son chavales muy buenos.

They are very good kids.

Used with the verb 'ser' and an adjective.

Mis chavales están aprendiendo a nadar.

My kids are learning to swim.

Possessive adjective 'mis' indicates the speaker's children.

¿Dónde están los chavales hoy?

Where are the kids today?

Interrogative sentence using 'estar' for location.

Vi a unos chavales en la plaza.

I saw some kids in the square.

Indefinite article 'unos' and personal 'a'.

Los chavales de mi barrio son simpáticos.

The kids from my neighborhood are nice.

Prepositional phrase 'de mi barrio' modifying the noun.

¡Venga chavales, a comer!

Come on kids, time to eat!

Imperative 'venga' used with the vocative.

No conozco a esos chavales de allí.

I don't know those kids over there.

Negative sentence with demonstrative adjective.

Los chavales necesitan ropa nueva.

The kids need new clothes.

Simple present tense with a direct object.

A los chavales les gusta el chocolate.

The kids like chocolate.

Indirect object structure with 'gustar'.

El entrenador habló con los chavales antes del partido.

The coach spoke with the lads before the game.

Used in a sports context to mean 'lads' or 'team'.

Cuando éramos chavales, no teníamos móviles.

When we were kids, we didn't have mobile phones.

Imperfect tense used for nostalgia.

Esos chavales tienen mucho futuro en la música.

Those kids have a great future in music.

Used to describe potential and talent.

¡Qué pasa, chavales! ¿Cómo va todo?

What's up, guys! How is everything going?

Very common informal greeting in Spain.

Los chavales se portaron muy bien en el museo.

The kids behaved very well in the museum.

Reflexive verb 'portarse' with the noun.

Me gusta trabajar con chavales jóvenes.

I like working with young kids.

Used in a professional but informal context.

Los chavales de hoy en día saben mucho de tecnología.

Kids nowadays know a lot about technology.

Common expression 'hoy en día' (nowadays).

Dale estos caramelos a los chavales.

Give these candies to the kids.

Indirect object with the imperative 'dale'.

La cantera del club está llena de chavales con talento.

The club's youth academy is full of talented kids.

Specific sports terminology 'cantera' (youth academy).

No seas tan duro con ellos, solo son unos chavales.

Don't be so hard on them, they're just kids.

Used to justify or explain behavior due to age.

Los chavales del instituto organizaron una huelga.

The high school kids organized a strike.

Refers specifically to high school students.

Aquel grupo de chavales parece estar tramando algo.

That group of kids seems to be up to something.

Used with 'parecer' and 'tramar' (to plot).

Mis chavales ya han terminado la universidad.

My kids have already finished university.

Shows that 'chavales' can refer to young adults.

Es increíble la energía que tienen estos chavales.

The energy these kids have is incredible.

Exclamatory sentence expressing admiration.

Los chavales se pasan el día pegados a la pantalla.

The kids spend the whole day glued to the screen.

Colloquial expression 'pegados a la pantalla'.

Había un ambiente genial con todos los chavales allí.

There was a great atmosphere with all the kids there.

Used to describe a social atmosphere.

El término 'chavales' tiene una clara raíz caló.

The term 'chavales' has a clear Caló root.

Academic discussion of the word's etymology.

La novela retrata fielmente la vida de los chavales de barrio.

The novel faithfully portrays the life of neighborhood kids.

Literary analysis of a character group.

Esos chavales representan la vanguardia del arte urbano.

Those kids represent the vanguard of urban art.

High-level vocabulary like 'vanguardia'.

A pesar de ser unos chavales, mostraron una gran madurez.

Despite being just kids, they showed great maturity.

Concessive clause 'a pesar de'.

La sociolingüística estudia el uso de 'chavales' en diferentes estratos.

Sociolinguistics studies the use of 'chavales' in different social strata.

Scientific context for the word's usage.

No podemos ignorar las necesidades de los chavales más vulnerables.

We cannot ignore the needs of the most vulnerable kids.

Used in a social or political context.

El director supo captar la esencia de la chavalería madrileña.

The director knew how to capture the essence of Madrid's youth.

Use of the collective noun 'chavalería'.

Los chavales de la generación Z tienen una visión distinta del mundo.

Generation Z kids have a different vision of the world.

Linking the word to a specific demographic.

La transmutación semántica de 'chavales' es digna de estudio.

The semantic transmutation of 'chavales' is worthy of study.

Extremely formal academic register.

En su discurso, apeló a los chavales como motores del cambio social.

In his speech, he appealed to the youth as engines of social change.

Metaphorical use in a formal speech.

La apropiación del vocablo 'chavales' por los streamers es un fenómeno global.

The appropriation of the word 'chavales' by streamers is a global phenomenon.

Analysis of modern cultural trends.

Bajo esa apariencia de simples chavales se escondían mentes brillantes.

Under that appearance of simple kids, brilliant minds were hidden.

Complex sentence structure with 'bajo esa apariencia'.

La dicotomía entre 'jóvenes' y 'chavales' marca una frontera de registro.

The dichotomy between 'jóvenes' and 'chavales' marks a boundary of register.

Linguistic analysis of formality levels.

Reivindicamos el derecho de los chavales a un ocio saludable y digno.

We claim the right of kids to healthy and dignified leisure.

Legalistic or activist language.

La narrativa contemporánea se nutre del habla de los chavales de la periferia.

Contemporary narrative feeds on the speech of kids from the outskirts.

Literary theory context.

No es sino a través de los chavales que la lengua se mantiene viva y mutante.

It is only through the kids that the language stays alive and mutating.

Philosophical reflection on language evolution.

Collocations courantes

buenos chavales

grupo de chavales

chavales del barrio

mis chavales

venga chavales

estos chavales

chavales jóvenes

pobres chavales

chavales listos

chavales traviesos

Phrases Courantes

¡Hola chavales!

— A standard informal greeting for a group of friends or kids.

¡Hola chavales! ¿Qué tal el fin de semana?

¿Qué pasa chavales?

— A very common way to say 'What's up guys?' in Spain.

¿Qué pasa chavales? ¿Nos vamos al cine?

Cosas de chavales

— Used to dismiss behavior as typical for young people (kids being kids).

No te enfades, son solo cosas de chavales.

Ser un buen chaval

— To be a good, trustworthy young man.

Juan es un buen chaval, puedes confiar en él.

Cuando éramos chavales

— A nostalgic way to start a story about one's youth.

Cuando éramos chavales, jugábamos en la calle todo el día.

¡Venga chavales!

— An exclamation used to motivate or hurry a group.

¡Venga chavales, un último esfuerzo!

Los chavales de ahora

— A phrase often used by older people to comment on the current generation.

Los chavales de ahora están siempre con el móvil.

Hacerse el chaval

— To act younger than one's actual age.

Mi abuelo se hace el chaval jugando al fútbol con nosotros.

Parecer un chaval

— To look younger than one's actual age.

Tu padre parece un chaval con ese corte de pelo.

Entre chavales

— Something that happens or is said only among young people.

Ese es un lenguaje que solo se entiende entre chavales.

Souvent confondu avec

chavales vs caballos

Means 'horses'. Don't confuse the 'ch' with 'c' and 'v' with 'b'.

chavales vs caballeros

Means 'gentlemen'. This is the opposite of informal 'chavales'.

chavales vs chavos

This is the Mexican version. Using it in Spain sounds Mexican; using 'chavales' in Mexico sounds Spanish.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Hacer el chaval"

— To behave in a childish or youthful way, often used for adults.

Deja de hacer el chaval y compórtate como un adulto.

Informal

"Ser un chaval"

— To be very young or inexperienced in a specific field.

En este trabajo todavía soy un chaval, tengo mucho que aprender.

Colloquial

"Niño, chaval, que te pierdes"

— A humorous or warning way to tell someone they are getting too excited or going too far.

¡Chaval, que te pierdes! No comas tanto pastel.

Slang

"Quedarse como un chaval"

— To feel refreshed or rejuvenated after an activity.

Después de la siesta me he quedado como un chaval.

Informal

"Estar hecho un chaval"

— To be in great physical shape despite being older.

Mi tío tiene sesenta años pero está hecho un chaval.

Complimentary

"Parecer un chaval con zapatos nuevos"

— To be extremely happy or excited about something new.

Está como un chaval con zapatos nuevos con su coche nuevo.

Idiomatic

"Chavalada"

— A collective term for a group of kids, often used with a touch of irony.

Toda la chavalada del barrio estaba en el concierto.

Colloquial

"No seas chaval"

— Don't be naive or immature.

No seas chaval, no te van a regalar dinero así como así.

Informal

"De chaval"

— During one's childhood or youth.

De chaval me gustaba mucho coleccionar cromos.

Standard informal

"El chaval de la película"

— Used to refer to the protagonist or a key young person in a situation.

Ese es el chaval de la película, el que marcó el gol.

Colloquial

Facile à confondre

chavales vs chicos

Both mean 'boys/kids'.

Chicos is neutral and universal; chavales is informal and specific to Spain.

Los chicos (universal) vs Los chavales (Spain).

chavales vs niños

Both refer to young people.

Niños usually means younger children; chavales can include teenagers and young adults.

Los niños de 5 años vs Los chavales de 15 años.

chavales vs jóvenes

Both refer to youth.

Jóvenes is formal and academic; chavales is colloquial and friendly.

El informe sobre los jóvenes vs ¡Hola chavales!

chavales vs muchachos

Both mean 'boys'.

Muchachos is more common in Latin America and sounds slightly more traditional in Spain.

Vengan muchachos (Latin America) vs Vengan chavales (Spain).

chavales vs pibes

Both are informal terms for youth.

Pibes is strictly Argentinian/Uruguayan; chavales is strictly Spanish.

Los pibes del barrio (Argentina) vs Los chavales del barrio (Spain).

Structures de phrases

Los chavales + [verb]

Los chavales corren.

Mis chavales + [verb]

Mis chavales estudian.

¡Hola chavales! ¿[question]?

¡Hola chavales! ¿Qué hacéis?

Esos chavales de [place]

Esos chavales de Madrid.

A pesar de ser chavales...

A pesar de ser chavales, son muy responsables.

La esencia de los chavales...

La esencia de los chavales se pierde con el tiempo.

Cuando era un chaval...

Cuando era un chaval, me gustaba el fútbol.

Unos chavales + [adjective]

Unos chavales simpáticos.

Famille de mots

Noms

chaval (singular masculine)

chavala (singular feminine)

chavalas (plural feminine)

chavalada (collective noun)

chavalería (collective noun)

Verbes

chavalear (to act like a kid, though rare)

Adjectifs

achavalado (looking or acting like a kid)

Apparenté

chico

muchacho

joven

niño

pibe

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high in Spain, low in Latin America.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'chavales' in a business meeting. → Using 'jóvenes' or 'señores'.
'Chavales' is too informal for professional settings and can seem disrespectful.
Saying 'los chavales' to a group of only girls. → Saying 'las chavalas'.
While 'chavales' can be mixed, 'chavalas' is the correct term for an all-female group.
Pronouncing it as 'shavales'. → Pronouncing the 'ch' as in 'church'.
In Spanish, 'ch' is always a hard sound, never soft like 'sh'.
Using 'chavales' in Mexico. → Using 'chavos'.
'Chavales' is a regionalism from Spain. In Mexico, it sounds out of place.
Stressing the first syllable: CHAvales. → Stressing the second syllable: cha-VA-les.
Incorrect stress can make the word difficult for native speakers to understand quickly.

Astuces

Sound like a Spaniard

If you are visiting Madrid or Barcelona, use 'chavales' to greet a group of friends. It immediately makes you sound more integrated into the local culture.

Plural agreement

Always remember that 'chavales' is plural. If you use an adjective with it, it must also be plural, like 'chavales simpáticos'.

Avoid in Latin America

To sound more natural in countries like Colombia or Mexico, stick to 'muchachos' or 'chavos' instead of 'chavales'.

Use with peers

The best time to use 'chavales' is with people your own age or younger. It creates a friendly, casual atmosphere.

Listen to streamers

Watch Spanish Twitch streamers like Ibai. They use 'chavales' constantly, which will help you hear it in a natural, modern context.

Stress the 'VA'

Make sure you don't say 'CHAvales'. The stress is on the second syllable: cha-VA-les. This is a common mistake for English speakers.

Learn the family

Don't just learn 'chavales'. Learn 'chaval', 'chavala', and 'chavalada' to have a complete set of words for different situations.

Sports context

If you play sports in Spain, you will hear this word every minute. It's the standard way to refer to teammates.

Informal writing only

Use 'chavales' in WhatsApp messages or casual emails, but never in formal documents.

Caló roots

Remembering the Romani origin of the word can help you appreciate the rich cultural history of the Spanish language.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'CHAV' (a British slang term for a certain type of youth) but in Spain, they are 'CHAV-ales' and they are much friendlier!

Association visuelle

Imagine a group of kids playing soccer (football) in a Spanish plaza, and the coach shouting '¡Venga chavales!'

Word Web

Youth Spain Informal Friends Kids Lads Caló Street

Défi

Try to use 'chavales' in a sentence today to describe a group of young people you see on TV or in real life.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Caló (Spanish Romani) word 'chavó', which means 'child' or 'son'.

Sens originel : Child or son within the Romani community.

Indo-Aryan (Romani) via Caló into Romance (Spanish).

Contexte culturel

It is generally safe and friendly, but avoid using it with superiors or in formal ceremonies.

The closest equivalent in the UK would be 'lads' or 'kids', while in the US it might be 'guys' or 'youngsters'.

The Spanish YouTuber El Rubius often uses informal language like this. Classic Spanish films like 'Barrio' depict the life of 'chavales'. The song 'Chaval de barrio' by various artists.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Sports

¡Vamos chavales!
Buen partido, chavales.
Entrenad duro, chavales.
Mis chavales son los mejores.

Family

¿Dónde están los chavales?
Mis chavales ya son grandes.
Trae a los chavales a cenar.
Cosas de chavales.

Friends

¡Hola chavales!
¿Qué tal, chavales?
Oye chavales, escuchad.
Somos los mismos chavales de siempre.

School

Chavales, silencio por favor.
Los chavales del instituto.
Esos chavales estudian mucho.
Excursión con los chavales.

Neighborhood

Los chavales del barrio.
Había unos chavales en la plaza.
Cuidado con los chavales.
Esos chavales son muy maleducados.

Amorces de conversation

"¿Qué os parece si vamos a tomar algo, chavales?"

"¿Habéis visto a los chavales que están jugando allí?"

"¡Hola chavales! ¿Habéis hecho los deberes para hoy?"

"¿A qué hora han quedado los chavales para el partido?"

"¿Os acordáis de cuando éramos unos chavales y veníamos aquí?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe a group of 'chavales' you saw today and what they were doing.

Write about your favorite memories from when you were a 'chaval' or 'chavala'.

How does the word 'chavales' make you feel compared to the word 'jóvenes'?

Imagine you are a coach in Spain. Write a short speech to motivate your 'chavales'.

Compare the use of 'chavales' in Spain with informal words for youth in your own country.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, in Mexico people usually say 'chavos' or 'chicos'. If you use 'chavales' in Mexico, people will know you learned Spanish from Spain or that you are from there.

It is common to use 'chavales' for a mixed group of boys and girls. However, if the group is only girls, you should use 'chavalas'.

No, it is not rude. It is informal and friendly. However, it is inappropriate for formal situations like a job interview.

The singular form is 'chaval' for a boy and 'chavala' for a girl.

No, it can refer to teenagers and even young adults in their 20s or 30s, especially when used by older people.

It comes from Caló, the language of the Spanish Romani people, from the word 'chavó' meaning child.

In Spanish, 'b' and 'v' are pronounced the same. It is a soft sound, almost like a mix between an English 'b' and 'v'.

Yes, in Spain it is very common for teachers to address their students as 'chavales' in a friendly but authoritative way.

In Spain, 'chavales' is extremely common in spoken language, while 'chicos' is more common in written or slightly more neutral settings.

In some very specific old-fashioned slang, it could, but today it almost always just means 'boy' or 'young man'.

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