niño malcriado
/niɲo malkɾjado/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'spoiled kid' is translated into Spanish as niño malcriado.
The phrase refers to a child who behaves badly because they are given everything they want. Depending on the specific nuance of the behavior, different terms might be more appropriate: malcriado/a is used for someone who is spoiled or badly raised, while consentido emphasizes that the child is pampered or indulged with gifts and treats. If the child is specifically spoiled, conceited and arrogant, you can use engreído/a.
What does it mean word for word?
The adjective malcriado is a combination of mal (badly) and the verb criar (to raise or rear), literally meaning 'badly raised'.
Which one should you use?
While both terms describe a spoiled child, malcriado implies that the bad behavior is a result of a poor upbringing, whereas consentido focuses on the fact that the child is pampered and indulged.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, it is common to use niño mimado to mean 'spoiled child'. In Argentina, pituco/a is used to describe a child from a wealthy family who displays spoiled and snobbish behavior.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a spoiled girl, use niña malcriada. To refer to a group of spoiled children, use the plural form niños malcriados.
How do you pronounce it?
/niɲo malkɾjado/
Did you know?
- The word criar in malcriado is the same verb used to describe the process of curing meats or aging cheeses.
- The term niño likely evolved from 'baby talk' rather than a formal Latin root, mimicking the repetitive sounds infants make.
- While malcriado is used for children, it can also be used as a sharp insult for an adult who is acting rude or entitled.
Examples in context
- Ese niño es realmente malcriado. Sus padres le dan todo sin restricciones.That child is really spoiled. His parents give him everything without any restrictions.
- Ese niño es un malcriado.That kid is a spoiled brat.
- Ese niño malcriado no deja de llorar.That spoiled kid won't stop crying.
- No seas un niño malcriado y comparte tus juguetes.Don't be a spoiled kid and share your toys.
- Sus padres lo consienten tanto que es un niño malcriado.His parents spoil him so much that he is a spoiled kid.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are observing a child throwing a tantrum in a park.
- Lucía¿Viste cómo gritó por ese dulce?Did you see how he screamed for that candy?
- MateoSí, es un niño malcriado.Yes, he is a spoiled kid.
- LucíaSu mamá le compró todo lo que pidió.His mom bought him everything he asked for.
- MateoEso es un error muy grande.That is a very big mistake.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries malcriado, niño, CC BY-SA 4.0.
