guagua
/ˈɡwaɡwa/
In Spanish, guagua can refer to a baby or a small child.
The term is used to refer to a baby or a small child in certain Spanish-speaking regions.
Which one should you use?
In Spain and Mexico, the words bebé or niño are typically used to refer to a baby, whereas guagua is used for this meaning in other specific regions.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Puerto Rico, guagua is used to mean 'bus'. In other regions, it can mean a baby or small child.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡwaɡwa/
Did you know?
- The word for 'baby' may have originated from the Quechua word wawa, which refers to an infant. This suggests the term is an indigenous loanword rather than a Spanish one.
Examples in context
- Voy a tomar la guagua para ir a la playa.I'm going to take the bus to go to the beach.
- La guagua está durmiendo en su cuna.The baby is sleeping in her crib.
- Esa guagua tiene los ojos azules.That baby has blue eyes.
- ¿Quieres comprar algo para la guagua?Do you want to buy something for the baby?
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are looking at a family photo.
- LucíaMira la foto de mi sobrina.Look at the photo of my niece.
- JavierQué tierna es esa guagua.What a sweet baby she is.
- LucíaSí, ya tiene seis meses.Yes, she is already six months old.
- JavierSe ve muy feliz.She looks very happy.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry guagua, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries guagua, CC BY-SA 4.0.
