what is a term of endearment a mother might call her young son?

Question

I'm looking for a phrase a Hispanic mother from Mexico might call her young son for a short story I'm working on. The context would be something like she's telling him to be more careful, or to think next time before acting. She's slightly chiding, but full of love. Any ideas?

Answer 1

I hear children called Mijo all the time from parents from Mexico.

Answer 2

Hi and welcome to the forum!

I'd use "Mijo" or "Cariño" in that situation.

"Mijo" is a combination of "Mi" + "Hijo" and it's a term of endearment commonly used in Latin America. - --Mariana--, May 1, 2011

"Mijo" is corn. It should be written "Mi hijo." Also used are "Hijo mío" and simply "Hijo" - 005faa61, May 1, 2011

You say po"tA"to, I say po"ta" to. Corn...mi hijo...pretty close. :-) - 0074b507, May 1, 2011

Actually maiz is corn... mijo is the most common name, my mom calls me "mija" all the time... - doremimi913, May 7, 2011

Answer 3

It would probably also not be odd to hear the diminutive used here either: Mi hijito

Although, spoken I have usually heard it run together or contracted so that often sounds more like "mi'jito"

Yes! this is the most common form here in nuevo mexico. "Mi hito". - Jraider, May 4, 2011

Answer 4

Another one I hear my nephew's grandmother (from Perú) call him is papito.

yup, girls are "mami" and boys are "papi" - doremimi913, May 7, 2011

Answer 5

Thank you!!!