Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| infantil | /infanˈtil/ |
| infantiloide | /infantiˈloide/ |
| pueril | /pweˈɾil/ |
| aniñado | /aniˈɲado/ |
| niñato | /niɲato/ (from spelling rules) |
These terms describe behavior or qualities that are immature or unbecoming. While infantil is often used in a negative sense to mean childish, it is also the standard neutral adjective for things relating to childhood, such as juegos infantiles (children's games).
Which one should you use?
infantil is the neutral, standard term, though it can be used negatively to mean childish. pueril is a more formal or literary term used to describe something that is trivial, shallow or lacks intellectual depth. aniñado can also convey a sense of being childish. infantiloide is another form available. In contrast to these adjectives, niñato is a derogatory noun used to describe an immature, annoying or obnoxious young person, often translated as 'brat' or 'immature kid'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
pueril is an acceptable formal option. infantil is neutral. niñato is slang and is derogatory.
How do you pronounce it?
/infanˈtil/
When do people say it?
The phrase No seas… (Don't be…) is the standard way to tell someone to stop behaving in a certain way, such as when telling someone No seas tan infantil (Don't be so childish).
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the suffix in infantiloide suggests something that merely resembles a child, often used to mock an adult who mimics childhood traits in a fake or forced way.
- The adjective pueril shares a root with the Latin puer, meaning 'boy', which is the same ancestor for the English word 'puerile'.
- While infantil describes behavior, the word niñato is often used as a harsh social label for a young man who is arrogant and spoiled regardless of his actual age.
Examples in context
- No seas tan infantil.Don't be so childish.This sentence is useful for telling someone not to be so childish using infantil.Tatoeba #580972 by Shishir, translation #245683 by CK
- ¡María, no seas infantil!Don't be childish, Mary!This sentence is useful for a direct exclamation telling Mary not to be childish using infantil.Tatoeba #1817284 by Shishir, translation #8608781 by shekitten
- Su forma de pensar es muy infantil.His way of thinking is very childish.This sentence is useful for describing a way of thinking as childish using infantil.Tatoeba #2502310 by marcelostockle, translation #286217 by CK
- El comportamiento del niño era infantil.The child's behavior was childish.
- No quiero tratar con su actitud inmadura.I don't want to deal with your childish attitude.
- Sus comentarios pueriles no contribuyeron a la discusión.His childish comments didn't contribute to the discussion.
- Deja de hacer tonterías y crece de una vez.Stop doing silly things and grow up already.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are arguing about a minor mistake.
- MaríaDeja de ignorarme, Alejandro.Stop ignoring me, Alejandro.
- AlejandroNo quiero hablar contigo ahora.I don't want to talk to you right now.
- MaríaEsa actitud es muy infantil.That attitude is very childish.
- AlejandroLo siento, tienes razón.I'm sorry, you are right.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “childish” translations and entries infantil, infantiloide, pueril, aniñado, niñato, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aniñado, infantil, infantiloide, pueril, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
