criatura
/kree-ah-TOO-rah/
baby
When referring to an infant or very young child, criatura translates to 'baby'.
criatura(noun)
baby
?infant or very young child
,child
?affectionate term for a small child
little one
?term of endearment
📝 In Action
La criatura durmió toda la noche por primera vez.
A1The baby slept all night for the first time.
¡Mira qué linda criatura! ¿Cuántos años tiene?
A2Look what a sweet little one! How old is she/he?
Mi hermana dejó a las criaturas con la abuela.
A2My sister left the children with Grandma.
💡 Grammar Points
Fixed Gender
Even if the child is a boy, the word 'criatura' remains feminine ('la criatura'). The gender of the word doesn't change based on the child's actual gender.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Gender
Mistake: "Usar 'el criaturo' para un niño."
Correction: Always use 'la criatura,' even for a male child. The word itself is always feminine.
⭐ Usage Tips
Affectionate Tone
'Criatura' carries a warm, tender feeling when referring to a child, similar to 'little darling' or 'little one.'
Criatura can also be used to mean 'creature', referring to any living or mythical being.
📝 In Action
El documental mostró una extraña criatura viviendo en las profundidades del mar.
B1The documentary showed a strange creature living in the deep sea.
Dicen que el Yeti es una criatura mítica de las montañas.
B2They say the Yeti is a mythical creature of the mountains.
El ser humano es una criatura social por naturaleza.
C1The human being is a social creature by nature.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Context
In this sense, 'criatura' is often used in literature, scientific discussion, or philosophical writing, emphasizing the idea of a 'created' life form.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: criatura
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'criatura' to refer to a mythological being?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'criatura' always refer to a small child?
Not always. While it is most commonly used affectionately for babies and small children, it can also refer to any living 'creature' or 'being,' including animals, mythical entities, or even people in a formal or philosophical sense.
Can I use 'criatura' to talk about an adult?
Yes, but rarely. It is sometimes used to describe an adult who is helpless, unfortunate, or dependent, often with a tone of pity or slight disdain, meaning 'poor soul' or 'wretched being.' This usage is less common.