A colorful storybook illustration showing an adult woman, acting as a babysitter, sitting comfortably on the floor and reading a large picture book to a happy toddler.

niñera

nee-NYEH-rah

nounfA1

babysitter?someone caring for children temporarily,nanny?a professional who cares for children regularly

Also:childminder?general term for childcare professional

📝 In Action

Contratamos una niñera para cuidar a los niños durante la boda.

We hired a babysitter to look after the children during the wedding.

Mi niñera de la infancia era muy cariñosa y paciente.

My childhood nanny was very affectionate and patient.

Ella renunció a su trabajo anterior para dedicarse a ser niñera a tiempo completo.

She quit her previous job to dedicate herself to being a full-time nanny.

Word Connections

Synonyms

canguro (babysitter (common in Spain))
cuidadora de niños (child caregiver)

Common Collocations

buscar una niñera – to look for a babysitter
contratar una niñera – to hire a nanny
agencia de niñeras – nanny agency

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Match

Since 'niñera' refers to a woman, any words describing her (adjectives) or referring to her (articles) must also be feminine: 'La niñera es responsable' (The nanny is responsible).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'Niñera' for a Man

Mistake: "Mi amigo es una niñera."

Correction: Mi amigo es un niñero. (Use the masculine form 'niñero' when referring to a man who cares for children.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Niñera vs. Canguro

While 'niñera' is understood everywhere, in Spain, you will often hear 'canguro' (literally 'kangaroo') used specifically for a temporary, often younger, babysitter.

✏️ 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

niño(child (boy)) - noun

niñero(male nanny / manny) - noun

niñez(childhood) - noun

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.