niño
standard, masculine
In Colombia a kid is niño or niña in standard speech and pelado or pelada in everyday talk. Pelado is very Colombian.
Meaning: child (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| niño | standard, masculine |
| pelado | Colombia, slang, masculine |
| pelada | Colombia, slang, feminine |
Niño and niña fit all situations, from school to the doctor. Pelado can mean a kid or a young person and is used casually. Some speakers in Bogotá also say chino for a boy.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Colombia pelado does not mean bald. It is the everyday word for a boy or young man.
Did you know?
- Pelado literally means peeled or hairless.
Examples in context
- Ese niño juega muy bien al fútbol.That kid plays soccer very well.
- Los pelados están en el parque.The kids are in the park.
- Mi hija es una niña muy tranquila.My daughter is a very calm kid.
Example conversation
Two mothers chat outside a school in Medellín.
- Claudia¿Dónde están los niños?Where are the kids?
- PatriciaLos pelados están en el patio.The kids are in the yard.
- ClaudiaYa viene la hora de salida.It is almost dismissal time.
