Mi pobrecito
/mi pobɾeθito/from spelling rules
The English phrase "my poor baby" is translated into Spanish as Mi pobrecito.
Mi pobrecito is an affectionate expression used to show sympathy or pity toward someone who is suffering or upset. While it can be used for actual infants, it is also used colloquially for adults to express tenderness or to soothe someone who is feeling sorry for themselves. The term pobrecito itself is a colloquial way to say "poor thing."
What does it mean word for word?
The word pobrecito is formed by the adjective pobre (poor) and the diminutive suffix -cito (little), which adds a layer of endearment or pity.
Which one should you use?
While Mi pobre means "my poor [person]", using the diminutive Mi pobrecito is much more common for expressing affectionate sympathy or "babying" someone.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the person you are sympathizing with is female, you change the masculine ending -ito to the feminine -ita to say Mi pobrecita.
How do you pronounce it?
/mi pobɾeθito/
Did you know?
- The word pobre in Spanish can also be used to describe someone who lacks certain qualities, like 'pobre diablo', which carries a much more insulting tone than the affectionate pobrecito.
- While 'pobrecito' expresses pity, using it with a very high-pitched or 'baby voice' is a common non-verbal way to signal that you are being playfully patronizing or extremely affectionate.
- The word mi is derived from the Latin meus, which was shortened in speech when it appeared before words starting with a vowel.
Examples in context
- ¡Mi pobre bebé! Espero que te mejores prontoMy poor baby! I hope you feel better soon
- ¡Mi pobrecito! Sé que estás pasando por un momento difícil, pero todo va a mejorarMy poor thing! I know you're going through a tough time, but everything will get better
- Mi pobrecito, te duele mucho la cabeza.My poor baby, your head hurts a lot.
- Ay, mi pobrecito, qué tristeza me da.Oh, my poor baby, it makes me so sad.
- No llores, mi pobrecito, ya pasará.Don't cry, my poor baby, it will pass.
Example conversation
Javier is feeling sick and Elena is comforting him.
- Elena¿Estás muy enfermo, Javier?Are you very sick, Javier?
- JavierSí, me siento muy débil.Yes, I feel very weak.
- ElenaMi pobrecito, voy a traerte una manta.My poor baby, I am going to bring you a blanket.
- JavierGracias, Elena, eres muy amable.Thank you, Elena, you are very kind.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mi, pobrecito, CC BY-SA 4.0.
