hija
neutral, Mexico
In Mexican Spanish "daughter" is hija. Parents often call their daughter mija, a short form of mi hija, and hijita is a gentle diminutive.
Meaning: female child of a parent (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| hija | neutral, Mexico |
| mija | affectionate, Mexico |
| hijita | affectionate |
Say mi hija when you talk about your daughter and tu hija when you ask about someone else's. A son is hijo, and hijos can mean "children" or "sons and daughters".
How do you pronounce it?
The h is silent, so hija sounds like "EE-hah".
When do people say it?
In Mexico mija and mijo are also used by older people with younger ones they are fond of, even when there is no family tie, for example a market seller with a young customer.
Did you know?
- Mija comes from mi hija and is so common in Mexican speech that many people use it without thinking about the literal meaning.
Examples in context
- Mi hija estudia medicina.My daughter studies medicine.
- Ven acá, mija.Come here, sweetheart.
- ¿Cuántos años tiene tu hija?How old is your daughter?
Example conversation
Doña Carmen talks with her neighbor Rosa on the sidewalk in Puebla.
- Rosa¿Cómo está su hija, doña Carmen?How is your daughter, doña Carmen?
- CarmenMuy bien, ya entró a la universidad.Very well, she just started university.
- RosaQué orgullo. Salúdemela mucho.How proud you must be. Say hello to her for me.
