bebé
casual, term of endearment
As a pet name, "baby" in Spanish is bebé. It is used for a partner, and many Spanish speakers borrowed the English sense through songs and chats. It is also called nena and nene.
Meaning: affectionate address for a partner (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| bebé | casual, term of endearment |
| nena | casual, to a girl |
| nene | casual, to a boy |
Nena and nene are literally "little girl" and "little boy". Used as endearments they sound affectionate, especially in Argentina, Spain and the Caribbean.
Which one should you use?
Real babies are also bebé, so context decides. Ven acá, bebé to a partner is a pet name, while el bebé llora is about an infant.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
These words belong to couples, friends and family. Do not use them with strangers or at work because they can sound too familiar.
Did you know?
- Nene and nena are used for small children in Argentina, which is why an Argentine adult may call a grown friend nene in a teasing way.
Examples in context
- Buenos días, bebé.Good morning, baby.
- Ven acá, nena.Come here, babe.
- Ese nene es muy tranquilo.That little boy is very calm.
Example conversation
Álvaro texts his girlfriend Daniela on the way home from work.
- ÁlvaroYa voy para la casa, bebé.I am on my way home, baby.
- DanielaQué bien. ¿Compras pan?Great. Are you buying bread?
- ÁlvaroSí, nena. Nos vemos pronto.Yes, babe. See you soon.
