titi
Puerto Rico, affectionate
In Puerto Rico "aunt" is often titi, a warm short form of tía. Standard Spanish uses tía.
Meaning: parent's sister (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| titi | Puerto Rico, affectionate |
| tía | neutral |
Puerto Ricans say Titi as a name too, as in Titi Nilda. It is common among Puerto Rican families in the island and in the United States.
Which one should you use?
Tía is understood everywhere and is the form in writing. Titi is the family word and sounds close and loving.
How do you pronounce it?
Say titi as "TEE-tee". The word with a written accent, tití, is a small monkey and has a different stress.
Did you know?
- Many Puerto Rican families call an aunt by Titi plus her first name, as in Titi Nilda.
Examples in context
- Mi titi viene a visitarnos el domingo.My aunt is coming to visit us on Sunday.
- Titi, ¿me ayudas con la tarea?Auntie, can you help me with my homework?
- Mi tía vive en Ponce.My aunt lives in Ponce.
Example conversation
Carlos phones his aunt Nilda in San Juan to ask what to bring to the family dinner.
- CarlosTiti, ¿qué llevo para la cena?Auntie, what should I bring for dinner?
- Titi NildaTrae el arroz con gandules, nene.Bring the rice with pigeon peas, dear.
- CarlosPerfecto, titi. Nos vemos a las seis.Perfect, auntie. See you at six.
