How to Say "baby" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “baby” is “bebé” — use 'bebé' for an infant or very young child, the most general and common term..
bebé
BEH-beh/'be.βe/
Examples
El bebé está durmiendo en su cuna.
The baby is sleeping in his crib.
El bebe está durmiendo en su cuna.
The baby is sleeping in his crib.
Ven aquí, mi bebe, te doy un abrazo.
Come here, my sweetheart (baby), I'll give you a hug.
The Accent Distinction
The noun meaning 'baby' is correctly written 'bebé' (with an accent). The stress changes the meaning entirely. However, 'bebe' (no accent) is often used informally or quickly, especially when spoken, but you should try to write it with the accent ('bebé').
Misspelling
Mistake: “Writing 'bebe' when you mean 'baby'.”
Correction: The noun must carry the accent on the second 'e': 'bebé'.
criatura
kree-ah-TOO-rah/kɾjaˈtuɾa/
Examples
La criatura durmió toda la noche por primera vez.
The baby slept all night for the first time.
¡Mira qué linda criatura! ¿Cuántos años tiene?
Look what a sweet little one! How old is she/he?
Mi hermana dejó a las criaturas con la abuela.
My sister left the children with Grandma.
Fixed Gender
Even if the child is a boy, the word 'criatura' remains feminine ('la criatura'). The gender of the word doesn't change based on the child's actual gender.
Confusing Gender
Mistake: “Usar 'el criaturo' para un niño.”
Correction: Always use 'la criatura,' even for a male child. The word itself is always feminine.
crío
Examples
Ese crío siempre está corriendo por la calle.
That kid is always running through the street.
nena
/NEH-nah//ˈnena/
Examples
Hola, nena, ¿cómo estuvo tu día?
Hi, babe, how was your day?
Te quiero mucho, nena.
I love you so much, baby.
Nena, ¿quieres ir al cine esta noche?
Babe, do you want to go to the movies tonight?
Literal vs. Affectionate Use
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