hijo — meaning in English: son

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for son

perdón

hijo

número

mientras

malo

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Spanish for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native Spanish speakers use the word 'hijo' in everyday conversations, especially in family settings. For example, a mother may say, 'Mi hijo es muy curioso,' meaning 'My son is very curious,' when talking about her child during a casual gathering with friends or family.

Synonyms & nuances

While 'hijo' specifically means 'son,' a similar word is 'niño,' which means 'child.' 'Hijo' is used when referring to a male offspring specifically, whereas 'niño' can refer to any young child, regardless of gender. Choose 'hijo' when discussing a son in particular.

Culture

'Hijo' comes from the Latin word 'filius,' which means son. In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the relationship between a parent and child is deeply cherished, often reflected in the language used. Additionally, the term can extend beyond biological ties, encompassing emotional bonds, as in 'hijo adoptivo' for an adopted son, highlighting the importance of family in diverse forms.

FAQ

Q.How do you pronounce 'hijo' in Spanish?

'Hijo' is pronounced as 'EE-ho,' with an emphasis on the first syllable. The 'h' is silent, which is a common feature in Spanish pronunciation.

Q.What is the plural form of 'hijo'?

The plural form of 'hijo' is 'hijos,' meaning 'sons.' This term is used when referring to more than one son or when speaking about a family with male children.

Q.Can 'hijo' be used in a formal context?

'Hijo' is primarily used in neutral contexts, but it can certainly fit into formal conversations, such as when discussing family during a formal event or speech. However, in formal writing, you might opt for more specific terms if discussing relationships extensively.

Learn spanish with Maspeak →

Spanish 1000