mimo
/ˈmimo/feminine, masculine
The English word "mime" (referring to a pantomime actor) is mimo in Spanish.
mimo is a noun used to describe a performer who acts through pantomime.
Meaning: pantomime actor (noun)
Which one should you use?
The noun mimo refers to the performer, whereas the verb gesticular is a more common way to describe the act of communicating through gestures rather than using the verb mimar.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word mimo can be used as either a masculine or feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmimo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the verb mimar to mean "to mime", but mimar actually means "to pamper" or "to spoil".
Did you know?
- The Spanish word mimo is a homonym with a completely different meaning: it can also mean 'affection' or 'tenderness'.
- If you call someone a mimo, you might be describing them as a 'sweetheart' or someone very affectionate rather than a pantomime actor.
- The word mimo is believed by some linguists to be a sound-symbolic expression, meaning it was created to mimic the actual sounds of affection.
Examples in context
- El teatro contemporáneo incluye a menudo representaciones con mimos talentosos.Contemporary theater often includes performances with talented mimes.
- La mímica es un lenguaje universal capaz de comunicar sin utilizar palabras.Mime is a universal language capable of communicating without using words.
- Me encantan las presentaciones de mimo, ¡son muy graciosas!I love mime performances, they are very funny!
- Ayer fuimos a ver una pantomima en el parque y nos divertimos muchísimo.Yesterday we went to see a mime performance in the park, and we had a great time.
- El mimo hace reír a los niños.The mime makes the children laugh.
- Aquel mimo es muy talentoso.That mime is very talented.
- Vi a un mimo en la calle.I saw a mime in the street.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are watching a street performance.
- ElenaMe gusta mucho este mimo.I really like this mime.
- MateoSí, hace gestos muy divertidos.Yes, he makes very funny gestures.
- Elena¿Crees que es un mimo profesional?Do you think he is a professional mime?
- MateoParece que sí, Mateo cree que sí.It seems so, Mateo thinks so.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mime” translations and entries mimo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mimo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
