Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| mimar | /miˈmaɾ/ |
| consentir | /konsenˈtiɾ/ |
| malacostumbrar | /malakostumˈbɾaɾ/ |
| regalonear | /reɡaloneˈaɾ/ |
| tener entre algodones | /teneɾ entɾe alɡodones/ (from spelling rules) |
| chiquear | /t͡ʃikeˈaɾ/ |
| popar | /popaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
| pontear | /ponteaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
| chinchinear | /t͡ʃint͡ʃineˈaɾ/ |
| contumeriar | /kontumeɾjaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
To pamper or indulge someone can be expressed through several different nuances. You might use these terms to describe showing affection, providing luxury and extreme care or even the act of spoiling someone to the point of creating bad habits.
What does it mean word for word?
The idiom tener entre algodones literally means 'to have (someone) between cottons', which describes treating someone with extreme care or luxury.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on your intent. Use mimar for affectionate pampering. In contrast, malacostumbrar is used when the pampering has a negative consequence, such as making a child undisciplined or creating bad habits. The word consentir can mean to pamper with affection, but it also carries the sense of 'to allow' or 'to tolerate' a behavior.
Is it said differently in some regions?
regalonear is a common colloquial term used in Chile and parts of the Southern Cone to mean pampering or showing affection.
How do you pronounce it?
/miˈmaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word mimo can refer to a pantomime artist or a gesture of affection. Because of this, mimar carries a connotation of showing love through physical tenderness and tactile care.
- The Colombian term chiquear can be used between romantic partners to describe a desire for affection, effectively asking to be treated like a child for a moment.
- The verb consentir functions as a double-edged sword in Spanish. While it describes pampering a child with love, it is also the standard term used when a government or authority figure 'tolerates' or 'permits' a crime or a bad behavior.
Examples in context
- Ella no quería que mimara a los niños.She didn't want him to pamper the children.This sentence shows how to use mimar regarding children.Tatoeba #1507150 by marcelostockle, translation #887084 by CK
- No deberías mimar tanto a ese gato.You shouldn't pamper that cat so much.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are talking about their weekend plans.
- ElenaVoy a mimar a mi piel con un spa.I am going to pamper my skin with a spa.
- MateoEso suena muy relajante, Elena.That sounds very relaxing, Elena.
- Elena¿Tú quieres venir conmigo, Mateo?Do you want to come with me, Mateo?
- MateoSí, yo también necesito mimarme un poco.Yes, I also need to pamper myself a bit.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pamper” translations and entries mimar, consentir, malacostumbrar, regalonear, chiquear, popar, chinchinear, 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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
