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niñero

nee-nyeh-rohniˈɲeɾo

babysitter

Also: male nanny
NounmA2
Spain
A friendly young man playing with two happy children and a toy train on a colorful rug.

📝 In Action

El niñero viene a las ocho para cuidar a los niños.

A2

The babysitter is coming at eight to look after the children.

Necesitamos un niñero con experiencia en primeros auxilios.

B1

We need a babysitter with experience in first aid.

Trabajó como niñero durante sus años en la universidad.

B1

He worked as a babysitter during his university years.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • canguro (babysitter (used in Spain))

Common Collocations

  • trabajar de niñero – to work as a babysitter
  • niñero a domicilio – at-home babysitter

good with kids

Also: fond of children
AdjectivemB1informal
A man smiling warmly while helping a small child tie their shoelaces in a sunny park.

📝 In Action

Mi hermano es muy niñero; siempre está jugando con sus sobrinos.

B1

My brother is very good with kids; he's always playing with his nephews.

No soy nada niñero, prefiero las cenas de adultos.

B1

I'm not at all fond of kids; I prefer adult dinners.

Busco un novio que sea niñero porque quiero tener una familia grande.

B2

I'm looking for a boyfriend who is good with kids because I want to have a big family.

Word Connections

Common Collocations

  • ser muy niñero – to be very good with kids
  • no ser nada niñero – to not be good with kids at all

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "niñero" in Spanish:

male nanny→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: niñero

Question 1 of 3

If someone says 'Juan es muy niñero,' what do they mean?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
niño(boy/child) — Noun
niñera(female babysitter) — Noun
niñez(childhood) — Noun
niñería(childish thing / trifle) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
dinerocompañerosombrero
📚 Etymology▼

From the Spanish word 'niño' (child) combined with the suffix '-ero', which is used to indicate a profession, trade, or a person who has a specific tendency or liking for something.

First recorded: 13th century

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use 'niñero' for a teenager who watches my kids?

Yes! It applies to anyone of any age, as long as they are male and performing the task of babysitting.

Does 'niñero' mean the same thing as 'nanny'?

Yes, though 'niñero' can cover both a casual babysitter and a more permanent, professional male nanny.

Is it okay to call a man 'niñero' if he isn't working as one?

Yes, if you use it as an adjective (e.g., 'Él es muy niñero'), you are simply saying he is great with kids.