Menino

"Menino" is a Portuguese word meaning "boy." It is used to refer to a male child or young male person. The term is common in both spoken and written Portuguese, and its usage is generally straightforward. It is the masculine counterpart to the word "menina," which means "girl."

The word "menino" is generally considered neutral and polite, suitable for use in most contexts. However, like any term related to age or gender, sensitivity may be required in certain situations, depending on the specific context and the relationship between the speaker and the individual being referred to.

In some regions or dialects of Portuguese, alternative words for "boy" may be more commonly used in informal settings, but "menino" remains a widely understood and accepted term throughout the Portuguese-speaking world. Its etymology traces back to the Latin word minor, meaning "smaller" or "younger."