Inklingo

How to Say "little ones" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pequeños

peh-KEH-nyos/peˈkeɲos/

nounA2
Use 'pequeños' when you want a general and common term for 'little ones' or 'young children' in a neutral context.
A happy group of three young children, consisting of two boys and one girl, sitting together and giggling while looking at a picture book.

Examples

Los pequeños tienen permiso para quedarse despiertos hasta las nueve.

The little ones have permission to stay awake until nine.

Tenemos que organizar un juego divertido para los pequeños de la casa.

We have to organize a fun game for the children of the house.

Adjective as Noun

The adjective 'pequeños' becomes a noun when you place a definite article (like 'los') directly in front of it. This pattern is often used to refer to groups of people based on a quality (e.g., 'los pobres' means 'the poor people').

criaturas

kree-ah-TOO-ras/kriaˈtuɾas/

nounA2affectionate
Use 'criaturas' to refer to 'little ones' in a more affectionate, endearing, or sometimes even slightly humorous way, often implying they are cute or a handful.
A simple storybook illustration of a young boy and a young girl sitting on green grass, smiling happily.

Examples

Las criaturas deben estar en cama antes de las nueve.

The little ones must be in bed before nine.

¡Qué ruido hacen estas criaturas cuando juegan!

What a noise these little ones make when they play!

Always Plural Feminine

Even if the group of children includes boys, 'criaturas' is always a feminine noun, so you use 'las criaturas'.

Confusing Gender

Mistake: “Los criaturas están aquí.”

Correction: Las criaturas están aquí. (Because 'criatura' is always feminine, even when referring to boys.)

Affection vs. Neutrality

Learners often confuse 'pequeños' and 'criaturas' by using 'criaturas' in situations where a neutral term like 'pequeños' is more appropriate. Reserve 'criaturas' for when you want to add a touch of endearment or a slightly playful tone, rather than for everyday, neutral reference to children.

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