muñeco
/moo-NYE-koh/
doll
A common meaning of muñeco is a doll or toy figure.
muñeco(noun)
doll
?toy figure, usually human-shaped
,toy figure
?generic term for a plaything
stuffed animal
?when referring to a plush toy shaped like a person or character
📝 In Action
El niño perdió su muñeco favorito en el parque.
A1The boy lost his favorite doll/toy figure in the park.
Necesito comprar un muñeco nuevo para el cumpleaños de mi sobrino.
A2I need to buy a new toy for my nephew's birthday.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Ending
Since 'muñeco' ends in '-o', it is a masculine noun and uses masculine articles (el muñeco, un muñeco).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Gender Confusion
Mistake: "Using 'la muñeco' instead of 'el muñeco'."
Correction: Although 'muñeca' (the wrist) is feminine, 'muñeco' (the toy) is masculine. Always use 'el' or 'un'.
⭐ Usage Tips
The Generic Toy
While 'muñeca' often means a female doll, 'muñeco' is the safe, generic term for any human-shaped toy figure, regardless of gender.
A collectible plastic toy or action figure is also referred to as a muñeco.
muñeco(noun)
action figure
?collectible plastic figure
,mannequin
?store display dummy
figurine
?small decorative statue
,dummy
?a life-sized model used for display or practice
📝 In Action
El museo exhibía un muñeco de cera de la reina.
B2The museum exhibited a wax figure/dummy of the queen.
Los muñecos de la tienda de ropa tienen ropa de invierno.
B1The mannequins in the clothing store are wearing winter clothes.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
When talking about retail or museums, 'muñeco' usually means a life-sized model (like a mannequin or wax figure), not a child's toy.
In informal contexts, muñeco can be used to describe a very handsome man.
muñeco(noun)
handsome man
?attractive male (slang/informal)
hunk
?very informal, admiring a man's looks
📝 In Action
Ese actor es un verdadero muñeco; todas sus fans lo adoran.
C1That actor is a real handsome guy; all his fans adore him.
⭐ Usage Tips
A Compliment, Not an Insult
In this context, calling someone a 'muñeco' is a compliment, suggesting they look perfect, like a finely crafted figure.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: muñeco
Question 1 of 1
Which of these sentences uses 'muñeco' in its most common, A1-level meaning?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'muñeco' and 'muñeca'?
In Spanish, 'muñeca' is feminine and means two things: the 'wrist' (body part) or a 'doll' (usually a female doll). 'Muñeco' is masculine and is used for any male doll, a generic toy figure, or a mannequin/figure model.
Can 'muñeco' be used for a snowman?
Yes, absolutely! The term for a snowman is 'muñeco de nieve' (literally, 'doll/figure of snow').