lista de niños malos
/lista de niɲos malos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "naughty list" can be translated into Spanish as lista de niños malos.
This phrase refers to the list made by Santa Claus of children who have behaved badly and will not receive presents.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase lista de niños malos is literally a "list of bad children".
Which one should you use?
You may use Lista de Pillos to imply that the children have been more mischievous rather than strictly bad.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, people often refer to a "naughty list" as lista de traviesos.
How do you pronounce it?
/lista de niɲos malos/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking households, the 'naughty list' is traditionally associated with the Three Wise Men rather than just Santa Claus.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, children don't just fear the lista de niños malos but also the Carboncito, a character who delivers lumps of coal to those on the list.
- The word pillo in Lista de Pillos is often used affectionately in Spain to describe a child who is clever or a bit of a rogue rather than truly malicious.
Examples in context
- Mi hermana menor está siempre en la lista de travesuras de Papá Noel.My younger sister is always on Santa Claus's naughty list.
- Si sigues portándote mal, estarás en la lista de niños malos.If you keep behaving badly, you will be on the naughty list.
- Espero no estar en la lista de niños malos.I hope I am not on the naughty list.
- Papá Noel tiene una lista de niños malos este año.Santa Claus has a naughty list this year.
- Tu comportamiento te puso en la lista de niños malos.Your behavior put you on the naughty list.
Example conversation
Parents talking to their daughter about Christmas behavior.
- DanielElena, tienes que ayudar más en casa.Elena, you have to help more at home.
- ElenaLo siento, voy a intentar ser mejor.I'm sorry, I will try to be better.
- DanielEstá bien, no queremos que estés en la lista de niños malos.That's fine, we don't want you on the naughty list.
- Elena¡Prometo portarme muy bien!I promise to behave very well!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
