infantil
/een-fahn-TEEL/
children's
Use infantil to describe something belonging to children, such as a children's toy.
infantil(adjective)
children's
?related to kids or childhood
,pediatric
?medical context
juvenile
?formal/legal context
📝 In Action
Necesitamos comprar ropa infantil para el bebé.
A2We need to buy children's clothing for the baby.
El hospital tiene una sala de cuidados infantiles.
B1The hospital has a pediatric care ward.
Esa película infantil es muy popular entre los más pequeños.
A2That children's movie is very popular among the little ones.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Since 'infantil' ends in '-l', it is an adjective that stays the same whether the noun is masculine or feminine (like 'fácil'). It only changes form when you make it plural: infantiles.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Gender Error
Mistake: "la ropainfantila"
Correction: la ropa infantil. The adjective doesn't change gender, even though 'ropa' is feminine.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'infantil' vs. 'de niños'
'Infantil' is often used for official or formal terms (like 'educación infantil'). For everyday items, you can often use 'de niños' (e.g., 'el juguete de niños').
Infantil can also mean 'childish,' describing immature behavior in an adult.
infantil(adjective)
childish
?immature behavior
,silly
?lacking seriousness
immature
?describing character
📝 In Action
No seas infantil, compórtate como un adulto.
B1Don't be childish; behave like an adult.
Tuvimos una discusión muy infantil sobre quién usaría el control remoto.
B2We had a very silly argument about who would use the remote control.
Su excusa era tan infantil que nadie la creyó.
B1His excuse was so childish that no one believed it.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Ser' vs. 'Estar'
When describing someone's typical personality, use 'ser' (e.g., 'Él es infantil'). If describing a temporary behavior, you might use 'estar' (e.g., 'Hoy estás muy infantil').
⭐ Usage Tips
A Word of Warning
Using 'infantil' to describe an adult's behavior is usually a criticism, implying they are behaving poorly or inappropriately for their age.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: infantil
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'infantil' in a negative, figurative way?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'infantil' the same as 'niño'?
No. 'Niño' is the noun meaning 'child' or 'boy.' 'Infantil' is the adjective, meaning 'related to a child' or 'childish.' You need 'infantil' to describe something, like 'ropa infantil' (children's clothes).