chicas

Chicas is the plural feminine noun in Spanish meaning girls or young women. The singular is chica; the masculine plural is chicos. The definite article yields las chicas. In everyday speech, the term is commonly used to refer to female peers or a group of girls or young women.

Etymology: Chica is related to chico, sharing the feminine suffix -a. The exact origin is not firmly established, but the term developed in the Spanish-speaking world to refer to a girl or young woman. It is typically informal or affectionate, with connotations that vary by region and tone.

Usage: In common conversation, las chicas refers to a group of female people, such as friends, classmates, or coworkers. In some contexts, chica can also mean a girlfriend or romantic partner, though this usage varies by region and level of formality. Other terms for younger or more formal contexts include niña or muchacha, which can carry different age or nuance.

Culture and regional notes: The word appears widely in media, music, and everyday language, and is often used to convey informality, youth, or femininity. Regions differ in connotation and register, so speakers may choose among palabras like chica, muchacha, or niña depending on formality, age, and social context.