Inklingo

How to Say "offspring" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “offspring” is “hijos” — use 'hijos' for a general, common way to refer to one's children or descendants in everyday conversation.

English → Spanish

hijos

ee-khosˈixos

nounA1general
Use 'hijos' for a general, common way to refer to one's children or descendants in everyday conversation.
A colorful illustration of a smiling adult holding the hands of two small, happy children, one boy and one girl, symbolizing the general meaning of children.

Examples

¿Cuántos hijos tienes?

How many children do you have?

Tengo dos hijos: un niño y una niña.

I have two children: a boy and a girl.

Todos mis hijos viven en Madrid.

All my children live in Madrid.

The All-Inclusive Plural

In Spanish, if you have a group of people that includes even one male, you use the masculine plural form. So, 'hijos' can mean 'sons', but it most often means 'children' (sons and daughters together).

Using 'hijas' for a mixed group

Mistake: “If you have a son and a daughter, you might say: 'Tengo dos hijas.'”

Correction: Always say 'Tengo dos hijos.' Use 'hijas' only when talking about a group of ALL daughters.

cría

nounA2general
Use 'cría' specifically when referring to the young of an animal, like a cub, chick, or calf.

Examples

La leona protege a su cría de los depredadores.

The lioness protects her cub from predators.

descendiente

des-en-DYEN-tehdesenˈdjente

nounB1formal
Choose 'descendiente' for a more formal or genealogical context, referring to a child, grandchild, or later descendant.
A small child standing next to an elderly man, showing a family connection.

Examples

Ella dice que es descendiente de una familia noble.

She says she is a descendant of a noble family.

Los descendientes de los colonos aún viven en esta región.

The descendants of the settlers still live in this region.

No dejó ningún descendiente directo al morir.

He left no direct descendant when he died.

One word for both genders

This word stays the same whether you are talking about a man or a woman. Just change the 'el' or 'la' in front: 'el descendiente' or 'la descendiente'.

Using 'de' for origin

When saying who someone is a descendant of, always use the word 'de' (of) immediately after 'descendiente'.

Confusing with 'hijo'

Mistake: “Calling your son 'mi descendiente' in a casual conversation.”

Correction: Use 'hijo' for your immediate child. Use 'descendiente' for broader family history or formal contexts.

fruto

froo-tohˈfɾuto

nounB1literary
Use 'fruto' in a literary or figurative sense, where offspring are seen metaphorically as the result or product of something.
A full basket of harvested golden wheat sitting in a sunny field.

Examples

Este éxito es el fruto de muchos años de esfuerzo.

This success is the result of many years of effort.

Por fin estamos viendo los frutos de nuestro trabajo.

We are finally seeing the rewards of our work.

Sus ideas no dieron fruto y el proyecto falló.

His ideas didn't bear fruit and the project failed.

Abstract usage

When used for results, it can be singular (the general concept) or plural (specific successes).

Verbs that go with it

We often use 'dar' (to give) or 'recoger' (to collect/reap) with this meaning of the word.

Using 'resultado' for everything

Mistake: “El resultado de mi trabajo es bueno.”

Correction: El fruto de mi trabajo es bueno. (While 'resultado' is okay, 'fruto' sounds more natural and poetic when talking about rewards for hard work.)

sucesión

nounC2formal
Employ 'sucesión' in very formal or legal contexts, referring to heirs or the continuation of a lineage, particularly in matters of inheritance or succession.

Examples

El noble murió sin dejar sucesión.

The nobleman died without leaving any offspring.

Hijos vs. Descendiente

Learners often use 'descendiente' too broadly when 'hijos' is more appropriate for everyday talk about one's children. Remember 'hijos' is the standard, general term, while 'descendiente' is more formal and often implies multiple generations or a lineage.

Related Translations

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