The word 'bebé' refers specifically to a human infant or newborn.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to a human infant in the earliest stage of life.
- Commonly used in family and medical contexts.
- Grammatically masculine but applies to both genders.
Panorama general
La palabra 'bebé' es fundamental en el vocabulario español básico. Se refiere a un recién nacido o a un lactante, representando el inicio del ciclo vital humano. Es un sustantivo de género masculino, aunque puede referirse a ambos sexos; para especificar, se suele decir 'el bebé' o 'la bebé'. 2) Patrones de uso: Al ser un sustantivo, concuerda en género y número con los artículos y adjetivos. Por ejemplo, decimos 'el bebé pequeño' o 'los bebés lloran'. Es común utilizar diminutivos como 'bebecito' o 'bebé' con un tono afectuoso. 3) Contextos comunes: Se utiliza frecuentemente en situaciones familiares, consultas médicas (pediatría), o al hablar de responsabilidades de cuidado. Es un término que evoca ternura y cuidado. 4) Comparación con palabras similares: A diferencia de 'niño', que implica una etapa de desarrollo posterior (infancia), 'bebé' es específico para la primera infancia. 'Recién nacido' es un término más técnico o médico, mientras que 'bebé' es el término estándar y afectuoso usado en la vida cotidiana.
Examples
El bebé tiene hambre.
everydayThe baby is hungry.
La paciente dio a luz a un bebé sano.
formalThe patient gave birth to a healthy baby.
¡Mira qué lindo es el bebé!
informalLook how cute the baby is!
El desarrollo psicomotor del bebé es crucial.
academicThe psychomotor development of the baby is crucial.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
dar a luz
to give birth
bebé a bordo
baby on board
en pañales
in diapers (metaphor for beginner)
Often Confused With
A 'niño' is an older child, usually past the infant stage. A 'bebé' is strictly an infant.
Infante is a more formal or legalistic term for a child. 'Bebé' is the standard, everyday word.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word 'bebé' is neutral and universally understood across all Spanish-speaking regions. It is appropriate for both formal and informal registers. In some regions, you may hear 'nene' or 'guagua' as synonyms, but 'bebé' remains the most standard choice.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget the accent on the second 'e'. Another common error is using 'bebé' for animals, which sounds unnatural to native speakers. Finally, ensure correct article usage (el/la) based on the context.
Tips
Use the correct article for gender
While 'bebé' is masculine, use 'la' to specify a female infant. This makes your speech sound more natural.
Do not use for animals
Never call a puppy or kitten a 'bebé'. Use the word 'cachorro' instead to avoid confusion.
Variations in Spanish speaking countries
In some countries like Argentina, 'beba' is the standard feminine form. In most other regions, 'la bebé' is preferred.
Word Origin
The word comes from the French 'bébé', which in turn mimics the sound of a child's babbling. It entered Spanish as a loanword and became the standard term for an infant.
Cultural Context
In Hispanic culture, babies are central to family life and are often the center of attention in gatherings. The use of diminutives like 'bebecito' is very common to express deep affection.
Memory Tip
Think of the sound 'bay-bay' as the sound a baby makes when babbling. It is a very easy word to remember because it mimics early infant speech.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsSe puede decir 'la bebé' o 'la beba'. 'Beba' es muy común en países como Argentina, Uruguay y Chile.
Sí, gramaticalmente es masculino ('el bebé'), pero se usa para ambos sexos. Si quieres ser específico, puedes usar el artículo femenino.
El plural es 'bebés'. Se añade una 's' al final y se coloca la tilde en la segunda 'e'.
No, para animales se utilizan términos como 'cría' o 'cachorro'. 'Bebé' está reservado exclusivamente para seres humanos.
Test Yourself
El ___ está durmiendo en su cuna.
La frase describe a alguien en una cuna, lo cual es típico de un bebé.
¿Cuál es el plural de bebé?
La palabra termina en vocal acentuada, por lo que se añade 's' y se mantiene la tilde.
bebé / el / llora / mucho
El orden lógico es sujeto + verbo + adverbio.
Score: /3
Summary
The word 'bebé' refers specifically to a human infant or newborn.
- Refers to a human infant in the earliest stage of life.
- Commonly used in family and medical contexts.
- Grammatically masculine but applies to both genders.
Use the correct article for gender
While 'bebé' is masculine, use 'la' to specify a female infant. This makes your speech sound more natural.
Do not use for animals
Never call a puppy or kitten a 'bebé'. Use the word 'cachorro' instead to avoid confusion.
Variations in Spanish speaking countries
In some countries like Argentina, 'beba' is the standard feminine form. In most other regions, 'la bebé' is preferred.
Examples
4 of 4El bebé tiene hambre.
The baby is hungry.
La paciente dio a luz a un bebé sano.
The patient gave birth to a healthy baby.
¡Mira qué lindo es el bebé!
Look how cute the baby is!
El desarrollo psicomotor del bebé es crucial.
The psychomotor development of the baby is crucial.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
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abrazarse
B1To hug each other; to embrace mutually.
Abuela
A1Grandmother; a mother of one's parent.
Abuelo
A1Grandfather; a father of one's parent.
abuelo/a
A2The father or mother of one's father or mother.
acariciar
B1To touch or stroke gently or lovingly.
acoger
B1To welcome; to receive into one's home.
acunar
B1To cradle; to hold gently in one's arms.
adolescente
A2A person aged between 13 and 19 years.
adopción
B1The legal process of taking another's child as one's own; adoption.
adoptado
B1Taken into one's family by legal means; adopted.
