Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| niñera | /niˈɲeɾa/ | feminine |
| nana | /ˈnana/ | Latin America, feminine |
| aya | /ˈaʝa/ | feminine |
| yaya | /ˈʝaʝa/ | feminine |
The terms are used to describe a person who is a child's nurse. In some contexts, the phrase Ama de llaves can be used to refer to a nanny who also takes care of household chores.
Which one should you use?
While yaya can be used as a term for a nanny in some contexts, it is most commonly an informal or affectionate term for 'grandmother' in many Spanish-speaking regions. The term aya specifically refers to a nanny or governess, often in a historical or literary sense.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term aya is a formal or literary term for a nanny or governess. Conversely, yaya serves as an informal term.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term nana is commonly used in many parts of Latin America to refer to a nanny or caregiver.
How does it change in a sentence?
niñera is a feminine noun. The masculine form of the word is niñero.
How do you pronounce it?
/niˈɲeɾa/
Did you know?
- While nana is a common term for a nanny in Latin America, the word originates from the Quechua word nanay, meaning 'pain'.
- In historical Spanish literature, an aya was often a high-status position of trust, acting as a moral guide for noble children.
Examples in context
- No soy tu niñera.I'm not your nanny.This sentence shows how to use the feminine form niñera.Tatoeba #9159031 by Galko, translation #9159024 by CK
- ¿Eres la nana nueva?Are you the new nanny?This sentence demonstrates the use of the term nana.Tatoeba #5005169 by Mavry, translation #5004894 by CK
- La niñera vendrá a cuidar a los niños esta noche.The nanny will come to take care of the children tonight.
- Necesitamos contratar a una niñera para que cuide a nuestros hijos mientras estamos fuera.We need to hire a nanny to take care of our children while we are away.
- Mi hermana trabaja como canguro para una familia que vive cerca.My sister works as a nanny for a family who lives nearby.
- Voy a contratar un canguro para que cuide a los niños mientras salimos esta noche.I'm going to hire a nanny to take care of the children while we go out tonight.
- La niñera llega a las ocho.The nanny arrives at eight.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are discussing childcare for the weekend.
- Alejandro¿Ya contrataste a la niñera?Did you hire the nanny yet?
- LucíaSí, Lucía ya la llamó.Yes, Lucía already called her.
- AlejandroEspero que sea una buena niñera.I hope she is a good nanny.
- LucíaTiene muchas referencias positivas.She has many positive references.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nanny” translations and entries niñera, nana, aya, yaya, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aya, nana, niñera, yaya, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
