One of the most exciting topics for Spanish students of all levels is Spanish nicknames. These expressions address loved ones and help learners connect with people on a more intimate level.
Spanish nicknames have an affective connotation. Their use will depend on the context and the relationship between the speakers.
When learning Spanish, you will find that nicknames end in diminutive suffixes (-ito/-ita). We’ll divide the most commonly used into categories: for parents, lovers, friends, and children, to make it easier for you to use them.
Keep reading to learn more or discover online Spanish classeson Preply.
Spanish nicknames for parents
1. Mis viejos [plural] / mi vieja, mi viejo [singular]
My folks / my old lady / my old man
You can also hear variations with diminutive suffixes. For example: “mi viejita” / “mi viejito.” In Spanish, “mi vieja (ita)” and “mi viejo (ito)” can also refer to someone’s wife or husband, respectively.
The plural form, “mis viejos,” is specific to parents only.
Note: In English, we add the letter “y” to the end of some words to describe small or loved things (e.g., Daddy, Mommy, Bobby, doggy). In the same way, in Spanish, we add the diminutive suffixes “ita” and “ito.”
2. Papi, Papito / Mami, Mamita
Daddy / Mommy, Mum, Mummy (UK, Australia, and New Zealand)
Like their English counterparts, “Papi/Papito” and “Mami/Mamita” use diminutives to refer to parents in a childish, friendly, and endearing way.
3. Pa / Ma
Pops, Papa, Pop / Moms, Mamma, Mom
These words could be classified as the laid-back cousins of “Papá” and “Mamá.”
Teens or young adults commonly use these instead of the childish versions of “Papi” and “Mami.” “Pa” and “Ma” sound more mature but still loving.
4. Los jefes [plural] / (el) jefe, (la) jefa [singular]
‘Rents / the parentals (equivalence, not literal translation)
“Jefe” and “jefa” are the literal translation of “boss”. In some Hispanic American cultures, it is very common to hear people refer to their parents as “mis jefes/los jefes.”
This expression has a relaxed, respectful tone. It implies that parents are the highest authority within the family.
Spanish nicknames for lovers
According to a scientific study, people use nicknames or pet names in their romantic relationships because it reminds them of the first love they experienced in childhood with their parents.
Here’s a list of some Spanish nicknames used between romantic couples.
5. Churri
Boy or girl [Equivalence, not literal translation]
In countries like Chile and Peru, “pichurri” is a nickname that has a sweet connotation. It’s generally used to refer to a boyfriend or girlfriend.
Its shorter version, “churri,” is a common Spanish slang word also used to describe a significant other in Spain.
6. Mi sol / mi cielo / mi corazón / mi vida
My sun / my sky / my heart / my life (literal translation)
As it is well known, Spanish is one of the most passionate and romantic languages that exist, after French, of course.
These expressions prove it! All of these Spanish nicknames are metaphors used to show profound love and infatuation. If your partner tells you “Eres mi vida” (You’re my life), it is clear they are madly in love with you.
7. Cariño
Darling, sweetie, honey, dear (equivalence)
As you can see, “cariño” is the equivalent of several love words in English.
You can use it to refer to loved ones, regardless of their gender or identity. You can also use it when talking to your pet in a baby voice (don’t be shy, we’ve all done it).
8. Amor, amorcito
Love
“Amor” is the literal translation of “love.” And its even cheesier variant, “amorcito,” is used by many passionate Spanish speakers.
Grammar tip: To know when to add an “s” or “c” in words that end in a consonant, such as “amor,” follow this rule: If the word ends in “s” like in “Andrés” (which is a proper noun) you will only add the ending “ito” (e.g., Andresito). But if the word doesn’t end in “s,” add “c” + “ito” (masculine) or “ita” (feminine). Therefore, the diminutive of “amor” (love) is “amorcito.”
“Amor” or “amorcito” are valid for both genders. Spanish speakers don’t use the feminine form “amorcita” to refer to a woman.
And since all is fair in love and war, there is nothing wrong with borrowing other languages’ equivalences of “love.” Having said this, feel free to call your significant other “amore.” The Italian version of “love” is widely used among Spanish speakers.
9. Guapo, guapa / hermoso, hermosa
Handsome, pretty / gorgeous, beautiful
It is very common for couples just beginning to date to call each other “guapo” and “guapa.” These adjectives are usually used in the courtship stage.
However, it is also common for friends to compliment each other using these words.
On the contrary, couples who have been together for a while, or friends who’ve known each other for a long time, often use “hermoso” and “hermosa.”
10. Bebé
Baby / Babe
The variants of this Spanish nickname are usually “bebito“ and “bebita.” Some natives use them according to gender; others prefer using the neuter term “bebé” to refer to both.
Spanish nicknames for friends
11. Corazón de melón
Honeypie / honeybun [equivalences, not literal translations]
The literal translation of this cute Spanish nickname is “heart of melon.” It doesn’t make much sense, but the nickname went viral thanks to a late 50’s song of the same name. It refers to how sweet a person can be.
12. Güey / tío(a)
Dude
“Güey” is a variant of “buey,” which means “ox.” This expression of Mexican Spanish is used between men and women interchangeably and has a positive connotation. However, it is mainly used among men.
“Tío” and “tía” are commonly used in Spain, and they also have the same meaning as “dude.”
13. Chulo(a)
Good looking, well-behaved [equivalences, not literal translations]
In Mexico, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, and Honduras, “chulo” and “chula” are adjectives that mean “beautiful.” In Spain, good-looking people are called “chulo(a)” (used as a noun) for how they dress and behave.
14. Mi hija (mija), mi hijo (mijo)
My daughter / my son [literal translation]
“Mija” and “mijo” are shortened versions of “mi hija” and “mi hijo”. These nicknames are commonly used expressions in Spanish among friends, mainly when starting a conversation.
Example:
“¡Hola, mija! ¿Qué hay de nuevo?”
“Hey, girl! What’s new?” [Equivalence, not literal translation]
Some parents also use them when talking to their children.
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15. Loco(a)
Crazy, fool
Like their English counterparts, Spanish speakers use this nickname to refer to close, trusted friends.
To give these words a loving feeling, we can add the diminutives “ito” and “ita” at the end.
Grammar tip: the diminutive of “loco” is “loquito.” In this case, when the last letter of a word is “c” (remember that the “o” at the end refers to the gender), it changes to “qu” to form the diminutive.
Then you add “ito” or “ita” [c → qu + “ito” or “ita”]. However, notice that both syllables (“c” / “qu”) maintain the same / k / sound.
Examples:
- “chico(o)” (boy) → chiquito(a)
- “poco (a)” (a little) → poquito(a)
- “muñeca(o) (doll) → muñequita(o)
Spanish nicknames for children
16. Muñeco(a)
Doll
This cute Spanish nickname for boys and girls is used when children are babies.
17. Chico(a)
boy, girl, lad
“Chico” and “chica” refer to teens or young adults. When you add a diminutive suffix to this Spanish nickname, you get “chiquito“ and “chiquita,” which are also suitable for young children.
18. Papi (ito) / mami (ita)
Daddy / mommy [literal translation]
These Spanish nicknames might be strange to you when used to refer to children. We don’t blame you. Some Hispanic parents refer to their children as “papi” or “papito” and “mami” or “mamita”, especially in their childhood years.
There is no logic behind it, but that’s how nicknames work, right? Not everything has to make sense.
In Hispanic American cultures, this is a very common way of referring to children affectionately.
19. Pollos, pollitos
Chicks
Many proud Hispanic parents will refer to their children as “mis pollos.” It is funny and cute at the same time.
You will come across expressions such as: “Mis pollos se salieron del corral” (My chicks escaped from the pen.) That means that they’ve misbehaved or that they are out of control.
Also, parents will emotionally refer to their children with phrases like: “Mis pollitos están creciendo” (My chicks are growing up) or “Los pollos han dejado el nido” (The chickens have left the nest.)
The latter refers to when children leave the family home to start an independent life.
20. Nene, nena
Kid
These Spanish nicknames do not have a literal translation in English. However, they refer to toddlers, children around 2-3 years old.
It is a common term of endearment that’s equivalent to “darling,” “baby,” or “honey.”
Final thoughts on Spanish nicknames
As you can see, Spanish vocabulary is so vast, and nicknames have so many nuances!
To keep learning Spanish nicknames in the most effective way, try a conversation with a native-speaking Spanish tutor, like the ones we have at Preply and check reliable resources like our blog for Spanish learners.
Happy learning, “guapos(as)”!
