Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| jardín de infancia | /xaɾˌdin de inˈfanθja/ /xaɾˌdin de inˈfansja/ |
masculine |
| parvulario | /paɾbuˈlaɾjo/ | masculine |
| jardín infantil | /xaɾˌdin infanˈtil/ | masculine |
| jardín de infantes | /xaɾdin de infantes/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| jardín de niños | /xaɾdin de niɲos/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| kindergarten | /kindeɾˈɡaɾten/ | masculine |
This term refers to an educational institution for young children, typically between the ages of 4 and 6.
What does it mean word for word?
The word jardín in these phrases literally means 'garden'.
Which one should you use?
While jardín de niños is a common way to express the concept, it is more literal (meaning 'garden of children') compared to the more formal jardín de infancia.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you may use el jardín de infancia or parvulario, with the latter being frequently used to refer to kindergarten or preschool-aged education. In Mexico, el kinder is a common variation. In Argentina, kindergarten is often referred to as el jardín de infantes or simply el jardín. Throughout many Latin American countries, jardín infantil is a very common term.
How does it change in a sentence?
All provided forms of the word are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/xaɾˌdin de inˈfanθja/
Did you know?
- The Spanish term jardín de infancia is a direct calque of the German word 'Kindergarten'. This means it was constructed by translating the German components 'children' and 'garden' into Spanish word for word.
- While English speakers use 'kindergarten' for the start of formal schooling, the Spanish term parvulario in Spain can overlap with what English speakers call 'preschool' or 'nursery'.
Examples in context
- Él va al jardín infantil.He goes to kindergarten.This sentence shows a person going to kindergarten using jardín infantil.Tatoeba #1713646 by marcelostockle, translation #1394677 by CK
- No aprendí todo lo que necesitaba saber en el jardín infantil.I did not learn everything I need to know in kindergarten.This sentence mentions what was learned in kindergarten using jardín infantil.Tatoeba #1614478 by marcelostockle, translation #1581371 by Grim_fandango
- El jardín de infantes está lleno de niños.The kindergarten is full of kids.This sentence describes a kindergarten being full of kids using jardín de infantes.Tatoeba #11851435 by carlosalberto, translation #11851339 by carlosalberto
- Estoy buscando un buen jardín de infancia para mi hijo.I am looking for a good kindergarten for my child.
- Voy a inscribir a mi hija en el preescolar del colegio.I am going to enroll my daughter in the kindergarten at school.
- Mi sobrina empieza el kínder mañana. ¡Qué emoción!My niece starts kindergarten tomorrow. How exciting!
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are talking about their daughter's first day of school.
- DanielSofía, ¿a qué hora abre el jardín de infancia?Sofía, what time does the kindergarten open?
- SofíaAbre a las ocho de la mañana, Daniel.It opens at eight in the morning, Daniel.
- DanielNuestra hija está muy emocionada por ir.Our daughter is very excited to go.
- SofíaSí, es un jardín de infancia muy bueno.Yes, it is a very good kindergarten.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kindergarten” translations and entries jardín de infancia, parvulario, jardín infantil, jardín de infantes, jardín de niños, kindergarten, 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 de, infancia, infantil, jardín, jardín de infancia, parvulario, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
