criatura
“criatura” means “baby” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
baby, child
Also: little one
📝 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.
creature
Also: 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.
Vocabulary Collections
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: criatura
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'criatura' to refer to a mythological being?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Latin *creatura*, which means 'a thing created.' It emphasizes the idea of being brought into existence, which is why it applies both to newly born humans and to living things in general.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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.