Inklingo

How to Say "kitten" in Spanish

English → Spanish

gatito

gah-TEE-toh/ɡaˈtito/

nounA1general
Use 'gatito' when you specifically want to refer to a young cat or kitten.
A small, fluffy orange kitten with large green eyes sitting peacefully on a soft blue blanket.

Examples

Adoptamos un gatito de la protectora la semana pasada.

We adopted a kitten from the shelter last week.

¡Mira qué lindo! El gatito está jugando con la lana.

Look how cute! The little cat is playing with the yarn.

The Diminutive Suffix

The ending '-ito' is added to the end of a noun (like 'gato') to show it is small or to express affection. It usually means 'little' or 'tiny.'

Mistaking Size for Age

Mistake: “Using 'gatito' for any small adult cat.”

Correction: While sometimes used for small adults affectionately, 'gatito' specifically implies a young cat (a kitten). Use 'gato pequeño' for an adult cat that is small in size.

cachorro

/ka-CHOH-rroh//kaˈtʃoro/

nounA1general
Use 'cachorro' primarily for a puppy; it is only occasionally used for kittens, so 'gatito' is preferred for clarity.
A small golden retriever puppy sitting on a patch of green grass.

Examples

Mi perro todavía es un cachorro.

My dog is still a puppy.

Vimos a un cachorro de león en el zoológico.

We saw a lion cub at the zoo.

La perra cuida a sus cinco cachorros.

The dog is taking care of her five puppies.

Gender of Baby Animals

Use 'cachorro' for a male or unknown gender baby animal, and 'cachorra' for a female one.

Don't use for humans

Mistake: “Calling a human baby 'un cachorro'.”

Correction: Use 'bebé' for humans. 'Cachorro' is strictly for animals unless you are being very poetic or metaphorical.

Gatito vs. Cachorro

The most common mistake is using 'cachorro' for a kitten. While technically possible, 'gatito' is the standard and most common word for a young cat. Stick to 'gatito' to avoid confusion.

Related Translations

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