pollito
/poˈʝito/
The English phrase "little chicken" is translated into Spanish as pollito.
The term refers to a young chicken or a baby chick.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is the diminutive form of pollo (chicken), created by adding the suffix -ito.
Which one should you use?
The feminine form pollita is used if the specific bird is known to be female. The plural form pollitos is used for a group of chicks or a mixed-gender group.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and some Central American nations, the colloquial term gallito is used to refer to a little chicken.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use pollita if the specific bird is known to be female, and use the plural form pollitos for a group of chicks or a mixed-gender group.
How do you pronounce it?
/poˈʝito/
Did you know?
- The word pollito shares a linguistic root with the English word 'poultry', as both derive from the Latin 'pullus' meaning 'young chicken'.
- In many Spanish speaking cultures, pollito is used as a sweet term of endearment for a small child or a romantic partner, regardless of any connection to birds.
- In some contexts, calling someone a pollito can be a slang term for a novice or someone who is naive and easily fooled, similar to the English 'rookie'.
Examples in context
- Un pollito preciosoA beautiful little chicken
- ¡Mira ese polluelo tan lindo!Look at that cute little chick!
- El pollito es muy amarillo.The little chicken is very yellow.
- Mira ese pollito en el nido.Look at that little chicken in the nest.
- El pollito tiene hambre.The little chicken is hungry.
Example conversation
A girl and a boy are looking at a farm.
- Elena¿Ves ese pollito pequeño?Do you see that little chicken?
- DanielSí, es muy bonito.Yes, it is very pretty.
- ElenaDaniel, el pollito está corriendo.Daniel, the little chicken is running.
- Daniel¡Qué divertido es!How fun it is!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pollito, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pollito, CC BY-SA 4.0.
