chupete
/t͡ʃuˈpete/
The English phrase "binky" translates to Spanish as chupete.
chupete is a noun used to mean a dearest toy.
Meaning: dearest toy (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word chupete is derived from the verb chupar, which means "to suck".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, chupete is the standard word for a pacifier. In many Latin American countries, chupón is more commonly used than chupete for a pacifier.
How do you pronounce it?
/tʃuˈpete/
When do people say it?
In certain Latin American countries, chupón can also refer to a suction cup or a big kiss.
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, chupón is used to describe a 'hickey' or a love bite, which is a very different context than a baby's toy.
- In some contexts, the term for a pacifier can be used metaphorically to describe something that provides false comfort or a 'quick fix' that doesn't solve the actual problem.
- The diminutive suffix '-ete' in chupete is not just for making the word sound cute, but also functions as a common morphological tool in Spanish to create nouns from verbs.
Examples in context
- Mi bebé siempre lleva un chupete para calmarse.My baby always carries a pacifier to soothe himself.
- ¿Tienes un chupe para el bebé?Do you have a binky for the baby?
- Le encanta succionar el chupón.He loves to suck his pacifier.
- El bebé no quiere su chupete.The baby does not want his binky.
- ¿Dónde dejaste el chupete de la niña?Where did you leave the girl's binky?
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are in the living room looking for the baby's things.
- Javier¿Has visto el chupete de Lucas?Have you seen Lucas's binky?
- ElenaNo, lo busqué por toda la casa.No, I looked for it all over the house.
- JavierEstá debajo de su manta.It is under his blanket.
- Elena¡Ah, sí! Gracias, Javier.Ah, yes! Thanks, Javier.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry chupete, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
