Inklingo

How to Say "childish" in Spanish

English → Spanish

infantil

een-fahn-TEELin.fanˈtil

adjectiveB1general
Use 'infantil' when describing behavior that is immature or inappropriate for an adult, often with a slightly negative connotation.
An illustration of an adult person sitting on the ground, arms crossed, pouting and looking frustrated, symbolizing childish or immature behavior.

Examples

No seas infantil, compórtate como un adulto.

Don't be childish; behave like an adult.

Tuvimos una discusión muy infantil sobre quién usaría el control remoto.

We had a very silly argument about who would use the remote control.

Su excusa era tan infantil que nadie la creyó.

His excuse was so childish that no one believed it.

Using 'Ser' vs. 'Estar'

When describing someone's typical personality, use 'ser' (e.g., 'Él es infantil'). If describing a temporary behavior, you might use 'estar' (e.g., 'Hoy estás muy infantil').

inmaduro

een-mah-DOO-rohinmaˈðuɾo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'inmaduro' to describe someone who is acting younger than their age or lacks maturity, focusing on their developmental stage.
A person wearing a business suit while jumping into a ball pit.

Examples

Él es muy inmaduro para su edad.

He is very immature for his age.

Fue un comentario inmaduro por su parte.

It was a childish comment on his part.

A veces actúas de forma inmadura.

Sometimes you act in an immature way.

Ser vs. Estar with People

Use 'ser' if being immature is a personality trait. Use 'estar' if someone is just acting immaturely at this specific moment.

Spelling with M

Mistake: “immaduro”

Correction: inmaduro. In Spanish, we use 'in-' as a prefix, not 'im-' like in the English word 'immature'.

Infantil vs. Inmaduro

Learners often confuse 'infantil' and 'inmaduro'. While both relate to a lack of maturity, 'infantil' specifically targets behavior seen as childish or silly, whereas 'inmaduro' is a broader term for lacking overall maturity for one's age.

Related Translations

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