mi hijo
/mi ixo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "my child" is translated into Spanish as mi hijo.
mi hijo is used by a parent to refer to their child. While it is used when the gender is unknown or when referring specifically to a male child, it functions as the standard way to say "my child" in many contexts.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase breaks down into mi, meaning "my" and hijo, which literally means "son".
Which one should you use?
mi hijo literally means "my son", but it is the standard term for "my child" when referring to a male child or when the gender of the child is unknown. To refer specifically to a female child, use the feminine form mi hija.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, particularly in Latin America, people may use the informal terms of endearment Mi Nene or Mi Nena when referring to young children.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes to the feminine form mi hija (my daughter) when referring to a female child.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, an older person might call a younger stranger hijo or hija as a friendly, maternal or paternal gesture, even if they are not related.
- The word hijo evolved from the Old Spanish word fijo, which comes from the Latin fīlius.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, parents continue to call their adult children mi hijo or mi hija long after they have grown up, regardless of the child's age.
Examples in context
- Tú eres mi hijo.You're my child.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase mi hijo in a simple identity statement.Tatoeba #5078855 by carenas, translation #2549406 by CK
- Mi hijo se ha perdido.My child is lost.This sentence is useful for using mi hijo to describe a situation where a child is lost.Tatoeba #10696416 by Shishir, translation #10696163 by tokzyk
- Mi hijo necesita un médico.My child needs a doctor.This sentence is useful for using mi hijo when expressing a need for medical attention.Tatoeba #10696300 by Shishir, translation #10696229 by tokzyk
- Estoy muy orgulloso de mi hijo.I am very proud of my son.
- Ven, mi chico, vamos al parque.Come on, my boy, let's go to the park.
- No te preocupes, mi nena, todo saldrá bien.Don't worry, my girl, everything will be fine.
- ¿Cómo estás hoy, mi nene?How are you today, my boy?
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A mother and father are talking about their son's upcoming graduation.
- ElenaMi hijo se gradúa mañana.My son graduates tomorrow.
- Alejandro¡Qué alegría, Elena!How exciting, Elena!
- ElenaEstoy muy orgullosa de él.I am very proud of him.
- AlejandroÉl es un gran hombre.He is a great man.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hijo, mi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
