Inklingo

How to Say "nanny" in Spanish

English → Spanish

niñera

nounA1general
Use 'niñera' when referring to someone hired professionally and regularly to care for children, similar to a babysitter or professional nanny.

Examples

Contratamos una niñera para cuidar a los niños durante la boda.

We hired a babysitter to look after the children during the wedding.

nana

/nah-nah//ˈnana/

nounB1informal
Use 'nana' for a more informal or general term for a caregiver, which can also be used affectionately, or for someone who is not necessarily a professional but still looks after children.
A kind woman playing with two happy children in a park.

Examples

La nana cuida a los niños mientras los padres trabajan.

The nanny looks after the children while the parents work.

Quiero mucho a mi nana, ella me crió.

I love my nanny very much; she raised me.

Voy a visitar a mi nana este domingo.

I'm going to visit my grandma/nanny this Sunday.

A feminine profession

Even though language is changing, this word is almost always feminine ('la nana') because it historically refers to women in caregiving roles.

Don't use 'nano'

Mistake: “Calling a male babysitter a 'nano'.”

Correction: A male caregiver would be called a 'niñero' or 'cuidador'. 'Nano' is a different word entirely (often meaning small or a prefix like nano-technology).

Niñera vs. Nana

Learners often confuse 'niñera' and 'nana'. Remember that 'niñera' usually implies a paid, regular job, while 'nana' can be more general or even a term of endearment. Think of 'niñera' as 'babysitter/professional nanny' and 'nana' as a broader 'childminder'.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.