What Do Parents In Spain Call Their Kids?

Chiquita is an adjective in Spanish that refers to a person’s or object’s size, but it can also be used as a nickname for daughters. In this context, ‘chiquita’ would translate either as ‘kiddo’ or ‘baby girl’. Mamá and papá are common nicknames used for children, but they require an accent on the final syllable to avoid confusion with other meanings.

In Spanish-speaking countries, there are different ways of mentioning children, depending on age or gender. Some Hispanic parents refer to their children as “papi” or “papito” and “mami” or “mamita”, especially in their childhood years. Children often use these nicknames as a form of affection, although they are not either parent. Siblings are called ‘hermanos’, while sisters are ‘hermanas’ (only when all parties are female).

Core family terms include padre (father), madre (mother), hijo (son) or hija (daughter), and hermanos (brothers). Children often call their father “papa” and their mother “mama” in Spanish, but it is important to remember to put the accent on the final syllable when writing or saying these words.

Mexican people call their children “hijo” or “hija” and hijos if they have more than one child. Sometimes parents or older relatives will call children “mami” and “papi”, which is a comforting term for children when they are hungry, sick, or injured.

Mijo is a term of endearment commonly used in Latin America, used to address kids, especially parents for their children, always as “mi padre” or “mi madre”. Nena is a popular and cutesy Spanish word used to call or refer to their daughters.