What is a semi-formal or informal word that I can use to address a child whose name I do not know? For instance, in English I would say something like "Hey kiddo."
Any suggestions?
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What is a semi-formal or informal word that I can use to address a child whose name I do not know? For instance, in English I would say something like "Hey kiddo."
Any suggestions?
There are many possibilities.
For up to about 5 years old, "Pequeño/a" or simply "peque."
For 5-10 years old approximately, "Chaval/a"
Hi Ed!
It depends on what country you are when addressing a child.
In Argentina, we don't use anything coming from "pequeño o niño"
We tend to say Hola, Lindo/a, or Hola bebé if it is a baby. Sometimes people, mainly men, can say "Hola campeón" if the kid is a boy.
Hope it helps
"Hey chico/a" can be a suitable translation.
Hi!
I agree with diegonel. Those are the most frequently used here in Argentina.
Saludiños,
Bel :)
It depends on how old the kid is...
¡Hola nené! would work or if older, !HOla campeón! as diegonoel said. There are many possibilities, they all depend on the age and how familiar or related you are to the kid.
Well I'm traveling to nicaragua in a few weeks on a mission trip so I will have never met these kids before in my life. However I want to be slightly informal and friendly. Any words specific to Nicaragua or that region that I can use?
Diegonel.
"Hola campeón"............ Heard that in Spain, said to youths mostly.
"Espinete"........... if the kid has curly or pointy hair.
I`ve never heard the word "Espinete". It's never too late to learn new things :D
Saludiños,
Bel :)
How aboutQuote:
Originally Posted by mariabelen
Escuincle
Have you heard it?
Well, I think this word is only for Mexico ;)
Regards
Hi!
Yes, I've heard that word, especially in Mexican soap operas ;)
Saludiños,
Bel :)
I just learned the word "escuincle" in the book
A trevés de cien montañas by Reyna Grande. I recommend the book and reading the author's inspirational bio on her website.
"hola gordo" is used in Argentina as well, along with "Campeón" for boys and "princesa" o "linda" for girls.
I can't think of a neutral word in Spanish that wouldn't sound awkward, honestly.
Maybe if you told us what country is said kid from, we can give you better suggestions!
I think he/she has already said it if you reread post #7 of this thread it said Nicaragua ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by mvictoria
I haven't read it but sounds very interesting, is the original in English?Quote:
Originally Posted by mariaklec
Cheers!
The author left Mexico at age 5 and came to the US with her parents where she learned English in school. She has written the book in both English and Spanish but I don't know which, if either, is considered to be the original.Quote:
Originally Posted by speculumcm
I think you might like it. It sheds light on the immigration issue (Mexico to US) and I think it's well-written, though I lack confidence judging writing in Spanish.
Hi!
It seems to be very interesting! I'll try to find it and let you know what my opinion is. Thanks for sharing the information ;)
Saludiños,
Bel :)
You could also follow this thread on Linkedin:
http://www.linkedin.com/newsArticle?...11&gid=1895524
Quote:
Originally Posted by mvictoria
What about "tigre" (tiger)?? We use it often here in Argentina as well!!
I love saying "hola, tigre!" =P
Well, he says it's a mission in Nicaragua so probably he's meeting several children.
I would say "hola niños!" to all of them, and "como están?" which means "how are you?".
In Argentina we would say "hola chicos!" but I don't think they use this in central America.
In Argentina also "nene/a" o "pibe/a"... "che, nene"... or "che pibe"...
Nene is a nicname for a boy in Guatemala. My friend still calls her 15 year son that. The female version is nena. Also in Guatemala, it is a common custom for mothers to call their little girls "mami". I would like to know in which other countries these customs or words are used this way or differently. Thanks.:)