Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| lechón | /leˈt͡ʃon/ | masculine |
| cerdito | /θeɾˈdito/ /seɾˈdito/ |
masculine |
| gorrino | /ɡoˈrino/ | masculine |
| guarín | /ɡwaɾin/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
What does it mean word for word?
The word lechón is derived from leche (milk), literally referring to a pig that has been suckling.
Which one should you use?
While lechón specifically refers to a suckling pig, cerdito is the diminutive form of cerdo and is used affectionately, often when talking to or about a cute animal. Cochinito is a diminutive form of cochino used to refer to a piglet, and puercito is an informal term that adds an affectionate tone.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Cochinillo is commonly used in Spain and in some Latin American countries such as Mexico, Argentina and Colombia. Lechón is commonly used in countries like Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Guarín is also a term for a piglet. Cerdito and gorrino are other masculine forms used to denote a piglet.
How do you pronounce it?
/leˈtʃon/
Did you know?
- The suffix -ón in lechón is an augmentative, which creates a linguistic irony where a word for a small piglet uses a 'big' ending.
- The word gorrino is an onomatopoeic term, meaning it was created to mimic the actual sounds a pig makes.
- While cerdito is a literal translation, using the diminutive suffix -ito can transform a neutral animal name into a term of endearment for a child.
Examples in context
- El cochinillo es un animal tierno y juguetón.The piglet is a tender and playful animal.
- Me gustaría criar un lechón para convertirlo en un cochinillo de Navidad.I would like to raise a piglet to turn it into a Christmas pig.
- El cerdito está durmiendo plácidamente bajo el sol.The piglet is peacefully sleeping under the sun.
- Mira qué lindo es el cochinito, parece un peluche.Look how cute the piglet is, it looks like a stuffed animal.
- Los niños estaban fascinados con el marranito en la granja.The children were fascinated with the piglet on the farm.
- ¡Mira qué tierno es el puercito, parece un bebé!Look how adorable the piglet is, it looks like a baby!
- El lechón es muy pequeño.The piglet is very small.
- Vimos un lechón en la granja.We saw a piglet on the farm.
- Ese lechón corre por el campo.That piglet runs through the field.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are visiting a rural farm.
- AlejandroMira aquel lechón, Lucía.Look at that piglet, Lucía.
- LucíaEs muy tierno.It is very cute.
- Alejandro¿Quieres darle de comer?Do you want to feed it?
- LucíaSí, me encanta.Yes, I love it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “piglet” translations and entries lechón, cerdito, gorrino, 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 cerdito, gorrino, lechón, CC BY-SA 4.0.
