payaso
masculine, everyday
Clown is payaso for a man and payasa for a woman. In Mexico the word also describes someone who jokes around. It is also called payasito.
Meaning: a circus or party entertainer (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| payaso | masculine, everyday |
| payasa | feminine |
| payasito | diminutive |
Clowns perform at children s parties, and families say Contratamos un payaso. No seas payaso tells someone to stop acting silly.
Which one should you use?
The word can be gentle or rude. Payasito is usually affectionate, but calling an adult payaso in anger can be an insult.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word payaso comes from Italian pagliaccio, from paglia, straw, because of the straw filled mattresses clowns once wore.
Examples in context
- Contrataron un payaso para el cumpleaños.They hired a clown for the birthday.
- No seas payaso.Do not be a clown.
- Los niños aman al payasito.The kids love the little clown.
Example conversation
Rocío and her nephew Leo wait for the birthday party show in Mexico City.
- LeoTía, ¿cuándo llega el payaso?Auntie, when does the clown arrive?
- RocíoYa casi, ahorita llega.Almost, he arrives in a moment.
- Leo¡Qué emoción!How exciting!
