Inklingo

How to Say "infant" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “infant” is “bebé” — use 'bebé' for a baby in everyday contexts, like referring to your own child or any baby you see..

English → Spanish

bebé

nounA1informal/neutral
Use 'bebé' for a baby in everyday contexts, like referring to your own child or any baby you see.

Examples

El bebé está durmiendo en su cuna.

The baby is sleeping in his crib.

infante

/een-FAHN-teh//inˈfante/

nounB1formal/literary
Use 'infante' when referring to a very young child in a more formal, legal, or literary context.
A happy young child playing with a small wooden toy boat on a green lawn.

Examples

La ley protege los derechos de todo infante.

The law protects the rights of every child.

Se especializa en psicología del infante.

She specializes in child psychology.

La educación del infante comienza en el hogar.

The child's education begins at home.

Formal Tone

This word is much more formal than 'niño'. It is like the difference between saying 'child' and 'minor' or 'infant' in English.

Daily Conversation

Mistake: “Saying 'Vi a un infante en el parque' to mean 'I saw a kid in the park'.”

Correction: Use 'niño' for everyday situations. 'Infante' sounds like you are reading a legal document.

Choosing Between 'Bebé' and 'Infante'

Learners often mistakenly use 'infante' in everyday conversation because it looks similar to the English 'infant'. However, 'bebé' is the standard, everyday word for a baby. Reserve 'infante' for more formal or specific situations.

Related Translations

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