How to Say “Kid” in Portuguese

Ways to say it

The term criança is the standard and neutral way to say 'child'. For more informal or colloquial expressions, you might use miúdo, piá or guri.

Which one should you use?

While criança is the standard neutral term for 'child', other forms are more colloquial or regional: miúdo, piá and guri.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

Criança is the neutral, standard term. For formal or legal contexts, such as referring to a minor under 18, use menor. In a more traditional or antiquated sense, infante refers to a child born into nobility or royalty. Conversely, miúda is an informal term used for a girl to convey familiarity and endearment.

Is it said differently in some regions?

Specific terms exist for different areas: miúdo is the common colloquial term in Portugal. In Brazil, piá is a colloquial term for a kid or boy used specifically in the state of Paraná, while guri is a common colloquial term for a kid or boy in Southern Brazil.

Related words

Mock playfully (verb): enganar, caçoar.

To joke (verb): brincar, zoar.

How does it change in a sentence?

The plural of criança is crianças. For the European Portuguese term miúdo, the plural is miúdos.

How do you pronounce it?

criança is pronounced /kɾiˈɐ̃.sɐ/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.