hijo
/ˈixo/
The English phrase "sonny" can be translated into Spanish as hijo.
hijo is a familiar way to address a boy. In Latin American countries, you may also hear the contraction mijo, which means "my son" and is used to address younger people affectionately as "sonny".
Meaning: a familiar form of address for a boy (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term mijo is particularly popular in Mexico. In Spain, the term chiquillo is used to address someone similarly to "sonny".
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of the word is hija. The plural form hijos can mean either "sons" or a mixed-gender group of "children".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈixo/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word hijo underwent a massive phonetic shift from its ancestor fijo, where the initial 'f' sound eventually transformed into a silent 'h'.
- Older adults in various Spanish-speaking regions may address a complete stranger as mijo to instantly create a sense of communal warmth and closeness.
- In some contexts, calling someone mijo can be a gentle way to patronize or dismiss them, mirroring the condescending tone some English speakers use with 'sonny'.
Examples in context
- ¡Ven aquí, chiquillo!Come here, sonny!
- Ven aquí, hijo.Come here, sonny.
- Escucha a tu padre, hijo.Listen to your father, sonny.
Example conversation
Javier is giving his son some advice.
- JavierEscucha bien, hijo.Listen closely, sonny.
- MaríaSí, papá, te escucho.Yes, Dad, I'm listening.
- JavierSiempre di la verdad, hijo.Always tell the truth, sonny.
- MaríaLo haré, lo prometo.I will, I promise.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry hijo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hijo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
