mijo
/ˈmixo/
mijo is the Spanish term for 'my son' used as an affectionate way to address a son, a younger male relative or a friend.
The term is used to address a male affectionately.
What does it mean word for word?
mijo is a contraction of the phrase mi hijo, which means 'my son'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
mijo is an informal and affectionate term. You should avoid using it in formal or professional settings.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Venezuela, the term Chamo is more commonly used to address someone affectionately.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form is mijo, while the feminine form is mija, which means 'my daughter'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmixo/
Did you know?
- Beyond the term for 'my son', mijo is also the Spanish word for 'millet', a type of grain.
- The word hijo contains a silent 'h' because its ancestor was the Old Spanish word fijo, which used an initial 'f' sound.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, using mijo can act as a 'social lubricant' to soften a command or a piece of criticism from an elder to a younger person.
Examples in context
- Ven aquí, mijo.Come here, my son.
- ¿Cómo estás, mijo?How are you, mijo?
- No te preocupes, mijo.Don't worry, mijo.
Example conversation
María is telling Mateo to eat his dinner.
- MaríaYa es hora de comer, mijo.It is time to eat, son.
- MateoYa voy, mamá, dame un minuto.I am coming, mom, give me a minute.
- MaríaApúrate, mijo, que la sopa se enfría.Hurry up, honey, the soup is getting cold.
- MateoYa estoy sentado a la mesa.I am already sitting at the table.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mijo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mijo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
