How to Say Baby in Spanish | MostUsedWords.com
As of 2026, if you are trying to learn Spanish, one of the first things you will need to know is how to say "baby" in Spanish. The correct term for baby in Spanish is "bebé", pronounced as /beˈβe/. This guide provides a comprehensive look at using and understanding this word.
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What is "Baby" in Spanish?
The word for baby in Spanish is "bebé", pronounced /beˈβe/. It refers to a young child or infant and can be used for both boys and girls. The term is widely recognized across many Spanish-speaking countries.
Phonetic Pronunciation Guide
The phonetic pronunciation of "bebé" is /beˈβe/, where the stress falls on the second syllable. This guide helps you pronounce it correctly, ensuring clear communication in Spanish.
Etymology and Cultural Significance
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The Spanish Frequency Dictionary series covers the 10,000 most common Spanish words — ranked by how often native speakers actually use them, with IPA pronunciation, English translations, and bilingual example sentences at every level.
Browse all 4 volumes →The word "bebé" has its roots in the French language, where it was originally spelled as "bébé." It entered the Spanish lexicon through cultural exchanges between France and Spain. The term is now widely used across different regions to describe a newborn or young child.
Meaning of "Baby" in Spanish
In Spanish, "bebé" can refer to a child from birth up until around two years old. After that, a child is typically referred to as a niño (Boy) or "niña (Girl)". Other alternatives include:
Translating "Baby" to Spanish
To translate "baby" to Spanish, the most common word is "bebé". However, there are other words that can be used depending on the context, age, and region. Here are some options:
- Niño/a (IPA: /ˈni.ɲo/): This translates to "boy" or "girl," but can also be used to refer to a young child or baby.
- Infante (IPA: /inˈfante/) : This term is often used in formal or historical contexts, and refers to a young child or baby.
- Chiquitín (IPA: /tʃikiˈtin/): This term is more common in Latin America, and is a diminutive of "chiquito", meaning "little".
Usage in Different Tenses
The word "bebé" can be used in various tenses. For example:
- Present tense: Estoy cuidando al bebé (I am taking care of the baby).
- Past tense: Ayer vi a un bebé en el parque (Yesterday I saw a baby in the park).
Sample Sentences Using "Bebé"
Hear how native speakers use "bebé" in context:
- Mi hermanita es un bebé adorable. (My little sister is an adorable baby.)
- El doctor está examinando al bebé. (The doctor is examining the baby.)
- Voy a comprar ropa para el bebé. (I am going to buy clothes for the baby.)
Comparison with Other Languages
The word "bebé" in Spanish has equivalents in other languages such as French ("bébé"), Italian ("bambino/bambina"), and English ("baby"). Understanding these similarities can help you learn related vocabulary more effectively.
Regional Differences
While "bebé" is the most common word for baby in Spanish, there are some regional differences. In Spain, "bebé" is typically used for newborns, while "niño" or "niña" is used for older children. In Latin America, terms like "chiquitín" or "chiquitina" can also be used.
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