niño
/ˈniɲo/
The English phrase 'nino' is translated into Spanish as niño.
The word niño refers to a young male human child. In many contexts, it is also used as the generic term for 'child' when referring to a group of unknown or mixed gender.
Which one should you use?
While niño specifically identifies a male child, the plural form niños is used to refer to a group of boys or a mixed group of boys and girls.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, specifically in areas like Madrid and Valencia, the colloquial term chaval is commonly used to refer to a young boy.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine singular form is niño. The feminine form to refer to a girl is niña. The plural form niños can refer to a group of boys or a mixed-gender group.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈniɲo/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, El Niño is the name of a powerful climate pattern that causes unusual weather globally. In this context, the name refers to the 'Christ Child' because the phenomenon often peaks around Christmas.
- In certain regions, calling someone mi niño or mi niña is used as an affectionate term of endearment for a romantic partner, regardless of their actual age.
- While niño means 'child', adding the suffix -azo to create niñazo can describe a boy who is exceptionally large or strong for his age. Spanish often uses these suffixes to change the physical scale of the person described.
Examples in context
- El niño está aprendiendo a leer y escribir.The boy is learning how to read and write.
- Ven aquí, nene.Come here, little boy.
- El niño juega en el parque.The boy plays in the park.
- Ese niño es muy inteligente.That boy is very intelligent.
- Tengo un niño de cinco años.I have a five-year-old boy.
Example conversation
A couple talking about their neighbors' child at home.
- María¿Viste al niño de la vecina?Did you see the neighbor's boy?
- DanielSí, el niño es muy travieso.Yes, the boy is very mischievous.
- MaríaDaniel, ¿crees que es peligroso?Daniel, do you think he is dangerous?
- DanielNo, solo es un niño inquieto.No, he is just a restless boy.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry niño, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
