Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| apodo | /aˈpodo/ | masculine |
| mote | /ˈmote/ | masculine |
| sobrenombre | /sobɾeˈnombɾe/ | masculine |
| chapa | /ˈt͡ʃapa/ | Bolivia, Peru, feminine |
| cognombre | /koɡnombɾe/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| cognomen | /koɡnomen/ (from spelling rules) | Ancient Rome, masculine |
| nombrete | /nombɾete/ (from spelling rules) | Latin America, masculine |
A nickname is a familiar or invented given name. To describe the act of giving someone a nickname, you can use the verb apodar, motejar or cognominar.
Which one should you use?
While apodo is the most common and neutral term for a nickname, mote is more informal and can sometimes carry a slightly mocking or derogatory connotation. For a more formal or literary sense, such as referring to an alias or a descriptive moniker, use sobrenombre. The word cognomen refers specifically to a nickname used in Ancient Rome.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Bolivia and Peru, the feminine noun chapa is used for nickname. In Latin America, the masculine noun nombrete is also used.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈpodo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not confuse apodo with apellido, which actually means 'last name'.
When do people say it?
Spanish speakers often use the phrase apodo cariñoso to refer to a nickname given out of affection. Similarly, the term nombre de cariño is used to refer to familiar, affectionate names.
Did you know?
- The term mote may have its roots in the Quechua word mut'i, rather than the European French word 'mot'.
- The word chapa for 'nickname' is onomatopoeic, likely mimicking the sound of a sudden label or a strike being applied.
- The word sobrenombre literally translates to 'over-name' because it is a name placed 'above' or 'over' the original.
Examples in context
- Rick es mi apodo.Rick is my nickname.This sentence is useful for identifying a person's nickname.Tatoeba #10160112 by Shishir, translation #8062923 by AlanF_US
- Mi mote es "Picor".My nickname is "Itch."This sentence is useful for stating what a person's nickname is.Tatoeba #10923957 by Seael, translation #435595 by CN
- A Tom le pusieron mote.They gave Tom a nickname.This sentence is useful for describing the act of giving someone a nickname.Tatoeba #11835469 by Seael, translation #9188629 by CK
- Me llaman "El Jefe" en el trabajo, es mi sobrenombre.They call me "The Boss" at work, it is my nickname.
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are talking about a new friend.
- Alejandro¿Sabes el apodo de ella?Do you know her nickname?
- ElenaSí, su apodo es Luna.Yes, her nickname is Luna.
- AlejandroEs un apodo muy bonito.It is a very pretty nickname.
- ElenaA ella también le gusta.She likes it too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nickname” translations and entries apodo, mote, sobrenombre, chapa, cognombre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries apodo, chapa, mote, sobrenombre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
