tío
nounCEFR A1High frequency
What does “tío” mean in English?
uncle
Example sentences
Mi tío vive en Barcelona.
My uncle lives in Barcelona.
Mis tíos vienen el sábado.
My aunt and uncle are coming Saturday.
¡Qué guay, tío!
How cool, dude!
How to use it
Tío means 'uncle' (or, in Spain, an informal 'guy / dude'). Masculine: el tío. Plural tíos = 'uncles' or 'aunt + uncle' depending on context.
Common mistake
Tío doubles as 'uncle' (relative) and 'dude / mate' (Spain, informal). Tone of voice + context distinguishes the two senses.