Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| niñera | /niˈɲeɾa/ | feminine |
| niñero | /niˈɲeɾo/ | masculine |
| canguro | /kanˈɡuɾo/ | Spain, masculine |
| china | /ˈt͡ʃina/ | Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, feminine |
| aña | /ˈaɲa/ | feminine |
| baby-sitter (beibi-síter) | feminine, masculine |
The terms used for a person who cares for babies or children vary by region and context. While niñera is a standard term for a person caring for children, in certain contexts it may also imply a more permanent nanny or governess. In many Spanish-speaking countries, the English loanword baby-sitter (pronounced beibi-síter) is also frequently used.
Which one should you use?
niñera is the standard term for a babysitter, whereas canguro is an informal way to say 'sitter'. The English loanword baby-sitter is used widely across many different Spanish-speaking countries.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the informal term canguro is primarily used. In Mexico, the term cuidadora may be used for a babysitter. In Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, the term china is used. The loanword baby-sitter is common in many different Spanish-speaking countries.
How does it change in a sentence?
Spanish uses gendered forms for these roles. Use the feminine form niñera when the babysitter is female and the masculine form niñero when the babysitter is male. The loanword baby-sitter can be used as both a feminine and masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/niˈɲeɾa/
Did you know?
- In some regions, the word china is used for a babysitter, which is borrowed from the Quechua word for 'female'.
- In Spain, the word for a babysitter is canguro, which is the exact same word used for the animal 'kangaroo'.
Examples in context
- Tenemos que encontrar una nueva niñera.We've got to find a new babysitter.This sentence demonstrates how to express the need to find a new niñera.Tatoeba #5023319 by don_ramon, translation #3264757 by CK
- He dejado los niños en casa con la canguro.I left the children at home with the babysitter.This sentence shows the use of the informal term canguro to describe leaving children with a sitter.Tatoeba #1393724 by wallebot, translation #10128163 by Shishir
- Me han dicho que estás buscando una niñera.I've been told that you're looking for a babysitter.This sentence illustrates how to mention that someone is looking for a niñera.Tatoeba #10106199 by manufrutos, translation #10100178 by CK
- Estoy buscando una niñera para cuidar de mis hijos esta noche.I am looking for a babysitter to take care of my children tonight.
- Ana es una excelente niñera, mis hijos la adoran.Ana is an excellent babysitter, my children adore her.
- Necesito encontrar un canguro para cuidar a mis hijos el sábado por la noche.I need to find a babysitter to take care of my children on Saturday night.
- María es una excelente canguro, confío plenamente en ella para cuidar de mis hijos.María is an excellent babysitter, I trust her completely to take care of my children.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are discussing childcare at home.
- Sofía¿Has llamado a la niñera para esta noche?Have you called the babysitter for tonight?
- JavierSí, la niñera vendrá a las ocho.Yes, the babysitter will come at eight.
- SofíaPerfecto, así podemos salir a cenar.Perfect, so we can go out for dinner.
- JavierEs una buena idea, Sofía.That is a good idea, Sofía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “babysitter” translations and entries niñera, niñero, canguro, china, aña, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries canguro, china, niñera, niñero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
