nena
affectionate, Argentina, Spain
Slang for a little girl varies: chavala in Spain, chamaca in Mexico and nena in Argentina and Spain. Niña is the neutral word understood everywhere.
Meaning: a young girl (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| nena | affectionate, Argentina, Spain |
| chavala | casual, Spain |
| chamaca | casual, Mexico |
| niña | standard |
Nena is warm and often used by parents. Chavala and chamaca can also refer to a teenage girl or young woman.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina piba is also common for a girl or young woman.
Did you know?
- Nene and nena are used in Argentina for small children of any family.
Examples in context
- La nena duerme en su cuarto.The little girl is sleeping in her room.
- Esa chavala canta muy bien.That girl sings very well.
- La chamaca ya sabe leer.The little girl can already read.
Example conversation
Teresa talks to her neighbor Pilar about her daughter in Córdoba, Argentina.
- Pilar¿Cómo está la nena?How is the little girl?
- TeresaBien, ya empezó la escuela.Well, she just started school.
- PilarQué lindo.How lovely.
