príncipe (firstborn)
masculine
The English word 'prince' can be translated into Spanish as príncipe or infante. If unsure, use príncipe (firstborn).
Meaning: son or male-line grandson of a reigning monarch (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| príncipe (firstborn) | masculine | |
| infante | /inˈfante/ | masculine |
The term refers to a son or male-line grandson of a reigning monarch. While príncipe is the standard term for a prince, the phrase mi príncipe can also be used in an endearing manner to mean 'my prince'.
Which one should you use?
príncipe is the general term for a prince, whereas infante is a specific historical and formal title used for the children of the Spanish monarch who are not the direct heir to the throne.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the term infante can also be used to refer to a prince.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form príncipe has a feminine counterpart, princesa, which means 'princess'.
Did you know?
- The word infante shares the same Latin root as the English word 'infant'. It originally described children who were too young to speak.
- The word príncipe is used in the Spanish expression un príncipe azul to describe a 'Prince Charming' or an ideal romantic partner.
- In Spanish, the word infante can refer to a prince of the blood, but in common modern speech, it can also mean a small child.
Examples in context
- El príncipe heredero está realizando una visita oficial.The heir apparent is conducting an official visit.
- Oye, ¿has visto a la nueva pareja? Dicen que él es príncipe de una pequeña isla.Hey, have you seen the new couple? They say he's a prince from a small island.
- ¡Hola, mi príncipe! ¿Cómo ha sido tu día?Hi, my prince! How has your day been?
- El infante ha sido proclamado heredero al trono.The infante has been proclaimed heir to the throne.
- La corona será entregada al príncipe heredero.The crown will be handed over to the crown prince.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “prince” translations and entries infante, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries infante, príncipe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
