hijo
/ˈixo/
The Spanish word hijo means hijo (phrase).
hijo literally means 'son', but in many Spanish-speaking cultures it is also used as an affectionate term for a younger male, even if there is no biological relation. You can use Mi hijo to say "my son", or Su hijo to say "your son" when addressing someone politely.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of hijo is hija (daughter). The masculine plural form hijos can mean "sons" or it can be used to refer to a mixed-gender group of "children".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈixo/
Did you know?
- The 'h' in hijo is actually a silent ghost of the letter 'f'. In Old Spanish, the word was spelled fijo, which is why it sounds similar to the English word 'filial'.
- The phrase hijo de puta is one of the most versatile insults in Spanish, used not only to express anger but sometimes to express shock or admiration depending on the tone.
- In certain Spanish-speaking cultures, an older woman might call a younger man hijo mío as a way to show maternal warmth, even if they are complete strangers in a marketplace.
Examples in context
- Él es un hijo muy bueno.He is a very good son.
- Mi hijo tiene tres años.My son is three years old.
- Tengo un hijo en la universidad.I have a son in college.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are talking about family at a cafe.
- Lucía¿Tienes algún hijo, Daniel?Do you have a son, Daniel?
- DanielSí, tengo un hijo pequeño.Yes, I have a young son.
- Lucía¡Qué bien! ¿Cómo se llama tu hijo?That's great! What is your son's name?
- DanielSe llama Mateo.His name is Mateo.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry hijo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hijo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
