How to Say "little boy" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “little boy” is “muchachito” — use this word generally for a young boy, especially when you want to emphasize his youth or a slightly endearing quality. It's one of the most basic and widely understood terms.
muchachito
moo-cha-CHEE-tohmutʃaˈtʃito
Examples
El muchachito está jugando con su perro en el jardín.
The little boy is playing with his dog in the garden.
¿Quién es ese muchachito que está sentado allí?
Who is that young fellow sitting there?
Mi abuela siempre me llama 'muchachito' aunque ya tengo veinte años.
My grandma always calls me 'little boy' even though I'm already twenty.
The '-ito' Ending
In Spanish, adding '-ito' to the end of a word (like changing 'muchacho' to 'muchachito') makes it mean something is smaller or adds a sense of affection and warmth.
Gender Agreement
This word ends in '-o', which means it refers to a male. If you are talking about a little girl, you must change it to 'muchachita'.
Using it for girls
Mistake: “Esa muchachito es muy inteligente.”
Correction: Esa muchachita es muy inteligente. You must use the '-a' ending when referring to a female.
niñito
nee-NYEE-tohniˈɲito
Examples
El niñito está durmiendo en su cuna.
The little boy is sleeping in his crib.
¡Qué niñito tan valiente!
What a brave little boy!
Un niñito me pidió ayuda para cruzar la calle.
A little boy asked me for help to cross the street.
The '-ito' Ending
Spanish speakers add '-ito' to the end of words like 'niño' to make them sound smaller, cuter, or more affectionate. It's like adding 'little' or '-y' in English (like 'doggy').
Gender Agreement
Since 'niñito' ends in 'o', it is masculine. Any words describing him (like 'bueno' or 'pequeño') must also end in 'o'.
Using it for girls
Mistake: “Calling a little girl a 'niñito'.”
Correction: Use 'niñita' for girls. Spanish is very specific about using 'o' for boys and 'a' for girls.
Over-translating 'little'
Mistake: “Saying 'pequeño niño' instead of 'niñito'.”
Correction: While 'pequeño niño' is correct, 'niñito' sounds much more natural and warm to native speakers.
nene
NEH-nehˈne.ne
Examples
El nene de mi hermana ya camina solo.
My sister's little boy already walks by himself.
Tienes que cambiarle el pañal al nene.
You have to change the baby's diaper.
Los nenes están jugando en el parque.
The kids are playing in the park.
Masculine/Feminine Pair
Remember that 'nene' refers to a male child. The feminine form, 'nena,' is used for a little girl.
chiquillo
chee-KEE-yohtʃiˈkiʝo
Examples
Ese chiquillo corre muy rápido.
That kid runs very fast.
De chiquillo, me encantaba jugar con aviones.
When I was a little boy, I loved playing with airplanes.
¡Vengan aquí, chiquillos! La cena está lista.
Come here, kids! Dinner is ready.
The 'Small' Ending
This word uses the '-illo' ending, which is a way Spanish speakers make a word sound smaller or more affectionate. It's like adding 'y' to 'dog' to make 'doggy'.
Gender Matters
This version ends in 'o,' so it specifically refers to a boy. If you want to talk about a girl, you must change it to 'chiquilla'.
Using it for girls
Mistake: “Esa chiquillo es inteligente.”
Correction: Esa chiquilla es inteligente. Remember that words describing people usually have to match their gender.
chiquito
chee-KEE-tohtʃiˈkito
Examples
El chiquito no quiere comer sus verduras.
The little boy doesn't want to eat his vegetables.
De chiquito, yo vivía en Madrid.
When I was a little kid, I lived in Madrid.
Es un chiquito muy inteligente.
He is a very smart little kid.
Talking about the past
The phrase 'de chiquito' is a very common way to start a story about your childhood, similar to saying 'as a boy' in English.
Using it for adults
Mistake: “Calling a boss or stranger 'chiquito'.”
Correction: This is very informal. Only use it for actual children or very close friends as a nickname.
Choosing Between 'Niñito' and 'Muchachito'
Related Translations
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