Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| niño | /ˈniɲo/ | masculine |
| churumbel | /t͡ʃuɾumˈbel/ | |
| chiquillo | /t͡ʃikiʝo/ (from spelling rules) | |
| zagal | /θaˈɡal/ /saˈɡal/ |
|
| chaval | /t͡ʃaˈbal/ | |
| buqui | /buki/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| chamaco | /t͡ʃaˈmako/ | masculine |
| chamo | /ˈt͡ʃamo/ | masculine |
| chango | /ˈt͡ʃanɡo/ | masculine |
| chino | /ˈt͡ʃino/ | masculine |
| cipote | /θiˈpote/ /siˈpote/ |
masculine |
| crío | /ˈkɾio/ | feminine |
| güila | /ˈɡwila/ | feminine |
| huerco | /ˈw̝eɾko/ | masculine |
| nene | /ˈnene/ | masculine |
| patojo | /patoxo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| chibolo | /t͡ʃiˈbolo/ | masculine |
These terms are used to refer to a child. Some forms are standard and neutral, while others are colloquial or used to mock playfully, such as the phrase tomar el pelo.
Which one should you use?
niño is the standard, neutral term for a child. In contrast, terms like chaval or chamaco are more informal or regional.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Terms like nene and chiquillo are informal. In an affectionate and informal context, especially in Latin America, you might use nene or nena. The terms mocoso or mocosa can be considered derogatory, though they are occasionally used informally to refer to mischievous or unruly kids.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and parts of the US Southwest, chamaco is a common colloquial way to say kid. In Venezuela, chamo is a common colloquial term for a kid or young person. In Spain, the term chaval is frequently used to refer to a kid or a young person.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of the default term niño is niña.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈniɲo/
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'kid' to mean a child, the Venezuelan term chamo actually comes from the English word 'chum', meaning a friend.
- The derogatory term mocoso literally refers to 'mucus' or 'snot', implying the child has a runny nose.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, using the term chino to refer to a child is common in certain regions, even if the child does not have Chinese heritage.
Examples in context
- No soy un niño.I'm not a kid.This example shows how to use the term niño in a negative sentence.Tatoeba #2351492 by Shishir, translation #2549706 by CK
- Solo es un niño.He is just a kid.This example uses niño to show a person is just a child.Tatoeba #2019269 by Shishir, translation #292841 by ludoviko
- Soy solo un niño.I'm just a kid.This example uses niño to express that one is just a child.Tatoeba #5566753 by swyter, translation #2549640 by CK
- El niño es muy inteligente.The kid is very smart.
- ¡Hola, nene! ¿Cómo estás?Hello, kid! How are you?
- El chiquillo está jugando en el parque.The kid is playing in the park.
- Ese mocoso siempre está causando problemas.That kid is always causing trouble.
- 125 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are at a park watching children play.
- SofíaEse niño corre muy rápido.That kid runs very fast.
- JavierSí, es un niño con mucha energía.Yes, he is a kid with a lot of energy.
- Sofía¿Es tu hijo, Javier?Is he your son, Javier?
- JavierNo, solo es el niño de mi vecino.No, he is just the neighbor's kid.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kid” translations and entries niño, churumbel, chiquillo, zagal, chaval, chamaco, chamo, chango, chino, cipote, crío, güila, huerco, nene, patojo, chibolo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chamaco, chamo, niño, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
