pibe

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kid, young person, boy, mate, kid
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/ˈpibe/
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An informal River Plate way to speak of a child or young person, or to address someone with friendly familiarity.
Practice using pibe in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Cuando era pibe, iba caminando a la escuela.
    When I was a kid, I walked to school.
  • El pibe ya terminó la secundaria y empezó a trabajar.
    The young man has finished secondary school and started work.
  • Conocí a un pibe uruguayo durante el viaje.
    I met a Uruguayan young man during the trip.
  • Dale, pibe, contame qué pasó.
    Come on, mate, tell me what happened.
  • Gracias por venir, piba.
    Thanks for coming, love.

Similar words

muchacho
niño
chaval
joven
muchacho
gurí
chico
chico
amigo
compañero

Meanings

Child or young person

noun
people
informal
In Argentina and Uruguay, and also in parts of Bolivia and nearby regions, a child, teenager, or young adult spoken of in a familiar way.

Examples

  • Ese pibe juega al fútbol en la plaza todas las tardes.
    That kid plays football in the square every afternoon.
  • Cuando era pibe, iba caminando a la escuela.
    When I was a kid, I walked to school.
  • Las pibas del barrio organizaron el torneo.
    The girls from the neighbourhood organised the tournament.
  • Conocí a un pibe uruguayo durante el viaje.
    I met a Uruguayan young man during the trip.
  • El pibe ya terminó la secundaria y empezó a trabajar.
    The young man has finished secondary school and started work.

Similar words

chico
muchacho
joven
gurí
chaval
niño

Friendly form of address

noun
social
informal
In River Plate Spanish, a warm or familiar way to address someone, including an adult, which can sound overly familiar without an existing social connection.

Examples

  • Pibe, ¿me alcanzás esa caja?
    Mate, can you pass me that box?
  • Escuchame, pibe, no hace falta que te apures.
    Listen, mate, there is no need to hurry.
  • Gracias por venir, piba.
    Thanks for coming, love.
  • Dale, pibe, contame qué pasó.
    Come on, mate, tell me what happened.
  • Tranquilo, pibe, acá nadie te está apurando.
    Easy, mate, nobody here is rushing you.

Similar words

chico
muchacho
amigo
compañero

Etymology

Borrowed into River Plate Spanish from Ligurian pivetto, a word for a young or inexperienced person.

FAQ

What does pibe mean?

In Argentina and Uruguay, pibe usually means a boy, kid, or young person.

What is the feminine form of pibe?

The feminine form is piba, and the plurals are pibes and pibas.

Where is pibe used?

It is especially common in Argentina and Uruguay, with attested use in parts of Bolivia and nearby areas.

Is pibe formal?

No. Pibe is informal and works best in relaxed, familiar conversation.

Can pibe be used for an adult?

Yes. It can address an adult affectionately, though it may sound too familiar from a stranger.

How is pibe pronounced?

It is pronounced /ˈpibe/, with stress on the first syllable.

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