niñera
“niñera” means “babysitter” in Spanish (someone caring for children temporarily).
babysitter, nanny
Also: childminder
📝 In Action
Contratamos una niñera para cuidar a los niños durante la boda.
A1We hired a babysitter to look after the children during the wedding.
Mi niñera de la infancia era muy cariñosa y paciente.
A2My childhood nanny was very affectionate and patient.
Ella renunció a su trabajo anterior para dedicarse a ser niñera a tiempo completo.
B1She quit her previous job to dedicate herself to being a full-time nanny.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "niñera" in Spanish:
childminder→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: niñera
Question 1 of 1
If you are talking about the person who looked after you as a child, which sentence is correct if the person was a woman?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word is built directly from the Spanish word 'niño' (child) combined with the feminine professional suffix '-era', which indicates a person whose job or role is related to the base word. It literally means 'child-worker' or 'child-carer'.
First recorded: Tracing back to the root 'niño', which is very old, but 'niñera' in its specific professional sense solidified in the 19th century.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'niñera' always a female job?
The word 'niñera' is grammatically feminine, but the job itself can be done by anyone. If a man holds this position, you must use the masculine form, 'el niñero'.
What is the difference between 'niñera' and 'nana'?
'Niñera' is the standard, modern term for a babysitter or nanny. 'Nana' is often used in Latin American countries and can imply a more traditional, sometimes live-in, caretaker who is deeply integrated into the family.