angelito
“angelito” means “little angel” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
little angel
Also: darling, innocent soul
📝 In Action
El bebé duerme como un angelito.
A1The baby is sleeping like a little angel.
Mi abuela dice que mi hermano es un angelito.
A2My grandma says my brother is a little angel.
Pobre angelito, no sabía lo que estaba pasando.
B1Poor little thing, he didn't know what was happening.
little angel (sarcastic)
Also: rascal
📝 In Action
¡Menudo angelito! Me ha roto el móvil y se ríe.
B1What a 'little angel'! He broke my phone and is laughing.
No le creas nada, que el angelito sabe muy bien lo que hace.
B2Don't believe a word he says; that 'angel' knows exactly what he's doing.
Mira qué angelito, parece que no ha roto un plato en su vida.
B1Look at that little angel; it looks like he's never broken a plate in his life (he looks harmless).
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: angelito
Question 1 of 3
If someone says 'Mi hijo duerme como un angelito,' what do they mean?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Formed by the word 'ángel' (from Latin 'angelus' meaning messenger) plus the Spanish diminutive suffix '-ito'.
First recorded: Estimated 15th century as a common diminutive.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'angelito' for a grown man?
Only if you are being very sarcastic or if he is your significant other in a very cute, mushy way. Otherwise, it sounds strange.
Is 'angelito' the same as 'bebé'?
Not exactly. While many babies are called angelitos, 'angelito' focuses on their innocence and goodness, whereas 'bebé' is just their age.
Does it have a religious meaning?
It can refer to a small statue of an angel in a church, but in daily life, it's mostly used as a term of endearment.