mimado
/miˈmado/
The English word spoiled is translated into Spanish as mimado. Wiktionary also lists regalón and consentido.
Meaning: (of a person, usually a child) having a selfish or greedy character due to pampering (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| mimado | /miˈmado/ |
| regalón | /reɡaˈlon/ |
| consentido | /konsenˈtido/ |
| malcriado | /malˈkɾjado/ |
This adjective describes a person, typically a child, who has developed a selfish or greedy character because they have been excessively pampered.
What does it mean word for word?
The word malcriado is composed of mal (bad) and criado (raised), which literally means badly raised.
Which one should you use?
While mimado focuses on the act of being pampered, malcriado focuses on the resulting bad behavior or lack of manners. Additionally, consentido is often more neutral or even affectionate than mimado, implying someone who is simply indulged.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Chile, regalón is a common way to say spoiled or pampered.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, the forms must agree in gender with the person being described. For example, use mimada for a girl.
How do you pronounce it?
/miˈmado/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, calling a child consentido is actually a way to show affection, much like calling them a 'darling' or 'sweetheart', rather than a criticism.
- The term mimado comes from the verb mimar, which carries a connotation of 'to coddle' or 'to pet', similar to how one might treat a beloved animal.
- In some contexts, malcriado is used not just for children but as a sharp rebuke to any adult who is being rude or lacking in basic manners.
Examples in context
- Tom es un niño mimado.Tom is a spoiled child.This sentence shows how to use mimado to describe a child.Tatoeba #1496812 by marcelostockle, translation #1496810 by Spamster
- No me gustan los niños malcriados.I don't like spoiled children.This sentence uses malcriado to express a dislike for spoiled children.Tatoeba #1985489 by hayastan, translation #256723 by CK
- Te comportas como un niño malcriado.You're acting like a spoiled brat.This sentence uses malcriado to describe someone acting like a spoiled brat.Tatoeba #10202329 by Shishir, translation #5374264 by Hybrid
- Juan es un niño consentido que siempre obtiene lo que quiere.Juan is a spoiled child who always gets what he wants.
- María es una niña mimada que no aprecia los esfuerzos de los demás.María is a spoiled girl who doesn't appreciate others' efforts.
- Los niños malcriados no respetan a sus mayores.Spoiled children do not respect their elders.
- ¡Ay, eres un consentidito! Siempre quieres salirte con la tuya.Oh, you're such a spoiled little thing! You always want to get your way.
- Eres tan mimadita que no soportas estar sin atención.You're such a spoiled little one that you can't stand being without attention.
- No seas malcriadito y comparte tus juguetes con los demás niños.Don't be a little spoiled brat, and share your toys with the other kids.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are talking about Mateo's nephew.
- ElenaTu sobrino quiere todo ahora mismo.Your nephew wants everything right now.
- MateoSí, es un niño muy mimado.Yes, he is a very spoiled boy.
- ElenaSus abuelos le dan demasiados regalos.His grandparents give him too many gifts.
- MateoPor eso es tan mimado.That is why he is so spoiled.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spoiled” translations and entries mimado, regalón, consentido, malcriado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
