niño grande
/niɲo ɡɾande/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'big kid' is translated into Spanish as niño grande.
The phrase niño grande can be used both literally to describe a child's physical size and figuratively to describe a child who is acting more maturely or independently.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of niño (child) and grande (big/large).
Which one should you use?
While niño grande can mean a child who is physically large or acting mature, niño mayor is more specifically used to refer to a child's age relative to others.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the child is female, the noun changes to the feminine niña. To make the phrase plural, both the noun and the adjective must take the plural suffix -s.
How do you pronounce it?
/niɲo ɡɾande/
Did you know?
- While grande means 'big' in niño grande, placing the adjective before the noun to say gran niño changes the meaning to 'great child' in terms of character or talent.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, calling an adult a niño grande is a common way to tease someone who is physically mature but emotionally immature.
- The word niño may have originated from the sound of an infant's first words, similar to how English words like 'nanny' or 'nana' mimic baby talk.
Examples in context
- Soy un niño grande.I'm a big kid.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase niño grande.Tatoeba #6629538 by Schuager, translation #3823235 by CK
- Es increíble lo rápido que se convierte en un chaval hecho y derecho.It's incredible how quickly he's becoming a full-fledged big kid.
- Él ya es un niño grande.He is a big kid now.
Example conversation
Daniel is helping his younger sibling.
- DanielMira cómo ayuda, es un niño grande.Look how he helps, he's a big kid.
- LucíaSí, Daniel es muy responsable.Yes, Daniel is very responsible.
- DanielYa no necesita que lo cuiden tanto.He doesn't need as much care anymore.
- LucíaTienes razón, ya creció mucho.You're right, he has grown a lot.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries grande, niño, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
