pillín
/piʝin/from spelling rules
The English phrase "little rascal" is translated into Spanish as pillín.
This term is used to describe a child who is being naughty in a way that is seen as cute or harmless rather than truly bad.
Which one should you use?
You might use pilluelo or pilluela as informal and endearing alternatives. If the child is being more difficult or is viewed as a 'brat', the colloquial terms mocoso or mocosa are used instead.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
pillín is an informal, affectionate way to describe a child's mischief. Similarly, pilluelo and pilluela are informal and endearing ways to refer to a child who often gets into mischief.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form pillín changes to the feminine pillina when referring to a girl.
How do you pronounce it?
/piʝin/
Did you know?
- Using pillín when speaking to an adult can shift the meaning from 'mischievous child' to a flirtatious way of calling someone 'cheeky' or 'sly'.
- The difference between a 'rascal' and a 'brat' in Spanish can hinge on a physical trait, as mocoso literally means 'snot-nosed'.
- The root word pillo can be a dangerous substitution for pillín because, without the diminutive suffix, it can imply that a person is a thief or a rogue.
Examples in context
- ¡Eres un pilluelo, siempre metiéndote en problemas!You're such a little rascal, always getting into trouble!
- No puedo creer lo mocoso que fue el niño en la fiestaI can't believe how much of a little rascal the boy was at the party
- Mi sobrino es un trasto, pero siempre alegra el ambienteMy nephew is a little rascal, but he always brightens up the atmosphere
- Ese niño es un pillín.That boy is a little rascal.
- ¡Eres un pillín, me has engañado!You are a little rascal, you tricked me!
- Mira qué pillín es con sus bromas.Look what a little rascal he is with his jokes.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are watching their nephew play in the living room.
- LucíaEse pequeño es un pillín.That little one is a little rascal.
- AlejandroSí, siempre está haciendo travesuras.Yes, he is always causing mischief.
- LucíaAlejandro, mira cómo se esconde.Alejandro, look how he hides.
- AlejandroEs un pillín muy divertido.He is a very funny little rascal.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
