niñito
“niñito” means “little boy” in Spanish (a small male child).
little boy
Also: baby boy, sweetie
📝 In Action
El niñito está durmiendo en su cuna.
A1The little boy is sleeping in his crib.
¡Qué niñito tan valiente!
A1What a brave little boy!
Un niñito me pidió ayuda para cruzar la calle.
A2A little boy asked me for help to cross the street.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: niñito
Question 1 of 3
What does adding '-ito' to 'niño' do to the meaning?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Derived from the Spanish word 'niño' (of uncertain origin, possibly imitating the sounds babies make) combined with the affectionate ending '-ito' (from Latin '-ittus').
First recorded: The root 'niño' appears in the 12th century; the use of '-ito' developed shortly after to express size and emotion.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'niñito' different from 'niño'?
Yes. While both mean boy, 'niñito' specifically suggests the boy is very young (like a toddler) or that the speaker is being very sweet and affectionate.
Can I use 'niñito' for a teenager?
Usually, no. If you call a teenager a 'niñito', it might sound like you are teasing him or treating him like a baby.
Does every word in Spanish have an '-ito' version?
Almost every noun can! It's a very popular way to make Spanish sound more friendly and warm.