Inklingo

How to Say "girl" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “girl” is “niña” — use 'niña' for a young female child, typically under the age of puberty, or as a term of endearment for someone you are close to..

niñaA1 / B1

Use 'niña' for a young female child, typically under the age of puberty, or as a term of endearment for someone you are close to.

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muchacha🔊A1

Use 'muchacha' to refer to a female child or teenager, it's a very common and general term.

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jovencita🔊A2

Use 'jovencita' for a young woman, often in her late teens, and it can be used affectionately.

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tíaB1

Use 'tía' as a very casual, slang term to refer to a young woman or girl, similar to 'dude' or 'mate' but specifically for females.

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hija🔊B1

Use 'hija' informally when addressing a young woman you know well, like a daughter, or as a term of endearment similar to 'dear'.

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nena🔊B2

Use 'nena' to casually address a young woman, similar to 'girl' or 'sweetie' in an informal context.

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china🔊C1

Use 'china' as slang, particularly in the Río de la Plata region, to refer to a young woman in an informal or youthful way.

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mina🔊C1

Use 'mina' as informal slang, common in Argentina and Uruguay, to refer to a young woman.

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English → Spanish

niña

NounA1 / B1General / Informal
Use 'niña' for a young female child, typically under the age of puberty, or as a term of endearment for someone you are close to.

Examples

La niña juega con su muñeca.

The girl plays with her doll.

muchacha

/moo-CHAH-chah//muˈtʃa.tʃa/

NounA1General
Use 'muchacha' to refer to a female child or teenager, it's a very common and general term.
A young female child with pigtails wearing a bright yellow dress, smiling happily while sitting on a wooden swing.

Examples

La muchacha del pelo rojo es mi prima.

The girl with the red hair is my cousin.

Vimos a un grupo de muchachas jugando en el parque.

We saw a group of girls playing in the park.

¡Muchacha! ¿Puedes ayudarme con esto?

Hey, girl! Can you help me with this?

Gender Match

Since 'muchacha' is feminine, any describing words (adjectives) you use with it must also match the feminine form: 'la muchacha alta' (the tall girl).

jovencita

/ho-ven-SEE-ta//xoβenˈsi.ta/

NounA2General / Affectionate
Use 'jovencita' for a young woman, often in her late teens, and it can be used affectionately.
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration of a smiling young woman with long dark hair wearing a bright yellow dress, standing in a sunny park.

Examples

La jovencita de la tienda es muy amable.

The young woman at the store is very kind.

¿Quién es esa jovencita que acaba de entrar?

Who is that young girl who just walked in?

Mi hermana mayor ya no es una niña; es toda una jovencita.

My older sister is no longer a child; she is quite a young woman.

The Diminutive Suffix -cita

The ending '-cita' is a diminutive suffix, which means it makes the base word ('joven') seem smaller, cuter, or younger. It often carries a warm, affectionate feeling.

Confusing Gender

Mistake: “Usando 'jovencito' para una mujer.”

Correction: Since 'jovencita' ends in '-a', it is always feminine and refers to a female person. The masculine form is 'jovencito'.

tía

NounB1Informal / Slang
Use 'tía' as a very casual, slang term to refer to a young woman or girl, similar to 'dude' or 'mate' but specifically for females.

Examples

Oye, tía, ¿qué tal?

Hey girl, what's up?

hija

/ee-khah//ˈixa/

NounB1Informal / Affectionate
Use 'hija' informally when addressing a young woman you know well, like a daughter, or as a term of endearment similar to 'dear'.
An older woman tenderly smiling at a younger woman, placing her hand gently on the younger woman's shoulder to show affection.

Examples

Ven aquí, hija, que te ayudo con eso.

Come here, dear, let me help you with that.

¡Pero hija, cómo se te ocurre hacer eso!

Oh honey, how could you even think of doing that!

Ella es hija de su tiempo, con ideas muy modernas.

She is a daughter of her time, with very modern ideas.

The Contraction 'Mija'

You'll often hear 'mija', which is just 'mi' (my) + 'hija' (daughter) squished together. It's a very common and warm way to address a daughter or a younger woman you feel close to.

Not Always Literal

Mistake: “Thinking an older stranger calling you 'hija' is your actual mother.”

Correction: When an older person calls you 'hija', it's usually a friendly, motherly gesture, like saying 'dear' or 'sweetie' in English. They're not claiming to be your parent!

nena

/NEH-nah//ˈnena/

NounB2Informal
Use 'nena' to casually address a young woman, similar to 'girl' or 'sweetie' in an informal context.
A casually dressed young adult woman standing and smiling, holding a single coffee cup.

Examples

Oye, nena, ¿me pasas la sal?

Hey girl, can you pass me the salt?

Tranquila, nena, no te preocupes, todo va a estar bien.

Calm down, honey, don't worry, everything will be fine.

Watch Your Tone!

Mistake: “Calling an older woman, a stranger, or a professional colleague 'nena'.”

Correction: Use 'señora', 'disculpe', or her name. 'Nena' can sound disrespectful or overly familiar with strangers or in formal settings. It's best to avoid this usage unless you know the person very well.

china

CHEE-nah/ˈtʃi.na/

NounC1Slang (Río de la Plata)
Use 'china' as slang, particularly in the Río de la Plata region, to refer to a young woman in an informal or youthful way.
A colorful illustration of a cheerful young woman with dark hair standing outdoors in a bright yellow dress.

Examples

Qué linda esa china que trabaja en la cafetería.

What a pretty girl/young woman who works at the cafeteria.

Las chinas vinieron a preguntar por el camino.

The girls came to ask for directions.

mina

MEE-nah/ˈmina/

NounC1Informal / Slang (Argentina/Uruguay)
Use 'mina' as informal slang, common in Argentina and Uruguay, to refer to a young woman.
A bright, colorful illustration of a smiling young girl standing in a simple dress.

Examples

Qué buena mina, siempre tiene una sonrisa.

What a nice girl, she always has a smile.

¿Viste a la mina nueva que trabaja en la tienda?

Did you see the new girl working at the store? (Chile)

Slang Alert

This meaning is highly regional. Using 'mina' to mean 'girl' in Spain or Mexico will likely confuse people, as they prefer 'chica' or 'mujer'.

Context is Key

Mistake: “Using 'mina' in a formal setting (e.g., a business meeting) to refer to a professional woman.”

Correction: In formal settings, always use 'señorita' or 'mujer'. 'Mina' is reserved for casual conversation among friends.

Choosing between 'niña' and 'muchacha'

The most common confusion for learners is deciding between 'niña' and 'muchacha'. Remember that 'niña' specifically refers to a younger child, while 'muchacha' is a more general term for a female child or teenager.

Related Translations

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