guagua
/ˈɡwaɡwa/
The English phrase 'wawa' is translated into Spanish as guagua.
guagua is a colloquial term used to refer to a baby or a small child. However, be aware that in many other Spanish-speaking regions, guagua primarily means 'bus'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term is highly colloquial and is used in informal settings rather than formal or medical contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Andean regions and coastal areas of South America, such as Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia, guagua is most commonly used for a baby or child. In the Dominican Republic and parts of the Caribbean, guagua can refer to a baby. In Spain, churumbel is a colloquial term for a baby or toddler.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡwaɡwa/
Did you know?
- In the Andes, the word guagua comes from the Quechua word for 'child', but in the Caribbean, it is more likely an imitation of the English word 'wagon'.
- In Cuba, the word guagua for 'bus' may be linked to the historical expression de guagua, which meant 'for free' because fares were once extremely cheap.
- The term guagua may be onomatopoeic, meaning it was created to mimic the specific sounds that a 'baby' makes.
Examples in context
- La guagua está durmiendo.The baby is sleeping.
- Esa guagua es muy linda.That baby is very cute.
- ¿Tienes una guagua en casa?Do you have a baby at home?
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are looking at a family photo.
- MaríaMira esta foto de mi guagua.Look at this photo of my baby.
- Alejandro¡Qué tierna es!How sweet he is!
- MaríaYa no es una guagua, ya camina.He's not a baby anymore, he already walks.
- AlejandroEl tiempo pasa muy rápido.Time passes very quickly.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry guagua, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries guagua, CC BY-SA 4.0.
