Use of Hija

Question

I know that "Hija" means daughter, but is it ever used a just a term of endearment when speaking to someone who is young enough to be your daughter?

Thank you all. But it is not my hearing that is failing me. I am reading this from a text book and it says, "¡Ay!, hija, aquí, un poco resfriada." Above the text is a picture of two women, neither of whom look old enough to be the other's mother. - warzone, Nov 15, 2012

Answer 1

Yes, all the time, my friends (many younger than me) call me 'hija' or the contracted form of 'mija' (mi + hija) and mi niña as well. At least I hope it's a term of endearment and not a reference to my immaturity jeje

Answer 2

NO, what you're hearing (I'm about 99% positive) is "mija" which is an endearing term toward a younger female (female because it ends in A). You could equivalate it to "honey" in English.

For example:

-"No honey, you can't eat ice cream for dinner."

-"No mijo -a, no puedes comer helado para la cena."

Hey DJ yes it is 'mija' too but that's just the shortened form of 'mi hija' ;) - Kiwi-Girl, Nov 16, 2012

Answer 3

Yeah, It can used also as a vocative, instead of saying "girl" or "woman", but of course to a younger woman. But yeah, you are correct.

Answer 4

Mami, mija, mamacita

papi, mijo,

Answer 5

Hijita tambien.

Many use "mamita" for their daughters.