crianza
/ˈkɾjanθa/
In Spanish, parenting is crianza.
The term refers to the process of raising and educating a child from birth until adulthood. In professional contexts, such as psychology or education, you will often see the phrase estilos de crianza used to mean 'parenting styles'.
Meaning: process of raising and educating a child from birth until adulthood (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The noun crianza is derived from the verb criar, which means the action of raising or nurturing a child.
Which one should you use?
Crianza refers specifically to the process of upbringing and development. This differs from paternidad or maternidad, which refer to the state of being a parent, such as fatherhood or motherhood.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkɾjanθa/
Did you know?
- The word crianza is also used in the world of wine to describe the aging process of a bottle. A crianza wine is one that has been aged for a specific period in oak barrels.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the concept of crianza is often viewed as a communal responsibility involving extended family, rather than just the biological parents.
- While crianza is used for humans, the same word is frequently used in Spanish to describe the breeding or raising of livestock and animals.
Examples in context
- La crianza responsable es fundamental para el desarrollo de los hijos.Responsible parenting is crucial for children's development.
- La educación de los hijos es una tarea importante que requiere dedicación.Parenting is an important task that requires dedication.
- Trabajamos juntos para brindarles el mejor cuidado y crianza a nuestros hijos.We work together to provide the best care and parenting to our children.
- Es complicado ser padre/madre, pero vale la pena.It's challenging to be a parent, but it's worth it.
- Cada familia tiene su propia manera de criar a sus hijos.Every family has their own way of raising their children.
- La crianza de los hijos es una gran responsabilidad.Raising children is a great responsibility.
- La crianza requiere mucha paciencia.Raising a child requires a lot of patience.
- Ellos comparten todas las tareas de la crianza.They share all the tasks of parenting.
- La crianza en un entorno estable es vital.Raising children in a stable environment is vital.
Example conversation
A couple is discussing their approach to raising their new child.
- JavierMaría, la crianza es más difícil de lo que pensaba.María, parenting is harder than I thought.
- MaríaEs verdad, Javier, pero lo estamos haciendo bien.It's true, Javier, but we are doing well.
- Javier¿Crees que nuestra crianza es muy estricta?Do you think our way of raising him is too strict?
- MaríaNo, solo estamos poniendo límites claros.No, we are just setting clear boundaries.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry crianza, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
