angelito
/anxelito/from spelling rules
The Spanish term angelito is a term of endearment used to describe a sweet or well-behaved child.
While angelito can be used literally to mean a little angel, it is most commonly used figuratively as an affectionate way to describe a child who is being exceptionally sweet or obedient.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a diminutive of ángel (angel), formed by adding the suffix -ito (little).
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes based on gender and number: angelita is used for a female child, angelitos is the masculine or mixed-group plural and angelitas is the feminine plural for a group of only female children.
How do you pronounce it?
/anxelito/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, angelito is used to refer to a baby who has passed away, framing the child as having returned to heaven.
- While angelito describes a child's behavior, in some Spanish-speaking contexts, calling an adult an angelito can be used ironically to suggest they are actually being quite mischievous.
- The word ángel comes from the Ancient Greek word ángelos, which originally meant 'messenger'.
Examples in context
- ¡Ven aquí, angelito de Dios!Come here, little angel of God!
- Tu hijo es un angelito.Your son is a little angel.
- Ese niño es un angelito cuando duerme.That boy is a little angel when he sleeps.
- ¡Qué angelito es mi sobrino!What a little angel my nephew is!
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are talking about their son's behavior at school.
- JavierLa maestra dice que nuestro hijo es un angelito.The teacher says our son is a little angel.
- SofíaMe alegra mucho saber que se porta bien.I am very glad to know he behaves well.
- JavierSí, es un angelito en la clase.Yes, he is a little angel in class.
- SofíaEs un niño muy dulce.He is a very sweet boy.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries angelito, CC BY-SA 4.0.
