Inklingo

How to Say "babysitter" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “babysitter” is “canguro” — use 'canguro' when referring to a babysitter in a general sense, or if the babysitter is female, as it is a gender-neutral term..

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canguro

/kan-GOO-roh//kanˈɡuɾo/

nounB1general
Use 'canguro' when referring to a babysitter in a general sense, or if the babysitter is female, as it is a gender-neutral term.
A kind person sitting on a rug reading a colorful book to two happy children.

Examples

Mañana no puedo salir porque tengo que hacer de canguro.

I can't go out tomorrow because I have to babysit.

Buscamos un canguro con experiencia.

We are looking for an experienced babysitter.

Mi hermana trabaja como canguro los fines de semana.

My sister works as a babysitter on weekends.

Using 'hacer de'

To say 'to babysit' as an action, we use the phrase 'hacer de canguro' (to do/act as a kangaroo).

Wrong verb choice

Mistake: “Yo canguro mis sobrinos.”

Correction: Yo hago de canguro para mis sobrinos. You need the full phrase 'hacer de' to express the action.

niñero

nounA2general
Use 'niñero' specifically when the babysitter is male.

Examples

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

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

Gender Agreement with 'Niñero'

The most common mistake is forgetting that 'niñero' is masculine. If you are referring to a female babysitter, you should use 'niñera' (feminine form) or the more general term 'canguro'.

Related Translations

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