niño pequeño
/niɲo pekeɲo/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'small boy' is translated into Spanish as niño pequeño.
The phrase is used to describe a male child who is either young in age or small in physical stature. Because the adjective pequeño can denote both size and age, niño pequeño can be interpreted as either a young boy or a boy of small size.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the colloquial term chaval can be used to refer to a young boy.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to multiple small boys, or a mixed group of small children, use the plural form niños pequeños.
How do you pronounce it?
/niɲo pekeɲo/
Did you know?
- The word niño has a linguistic 'cousin' in the English word 'nun', as both likely stem from imitative, infantile speech sounds.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the word niño is often used as a term of endearment for adult men, especially between partners or close family members.
- Depending on the region, calling someone a niño can imply they are naive or immature rather than physically small or young.
Examples in context
- Tom aún es un niño pequeño.Tom is still a small boy.Tatoeba #3037249 by marcelostockle, translation #3022265 by sharptoothed
- Tango vivía con un niño pequeño en un pequeño pueblo.Tango lived with a small boy in a small village.Tatoeba #1074117 by hayastan, translation #1074113 by tigro1973
- ¡Mira qué lindo el pequeñín!Look at how cute the little boy is!
- Ese niño pequeño juega en el parque.That small boy plays in the park.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are watching children play at a park.
- Alejandro¿Ves a ese niño pequeño?Do you see that small boy?
- SofíaSí, es muy lindo.Yes, he is very cute.
- AlejandroParece que está buscando a su mamá.It looks like he is looking for his mom.
- SofíaEspero que la encuentre pronto.I hope he finds her soon.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries niño, pequeño, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
