infancia

childhood

noun een-FAHN-syah Less Common

Origin: From Latin infantia, from infans (unable to speak), from in- + fari (to speak).

Also means

infancy

Usage Note

Infancia covers early childhood broadly, not just the infant stage as English 'infancy' implies; it can encompass ages 0–12. It is distinct from niñez (childhood, emphasizing the child stage) and bebé (baby). The phrase desde la infancia means 'since childhood'. The related adjective infantil can also mean childish in a pejorative sense.

Examples

"Pasó su infancia en un pueblo pequeño."

Natural Translation

He spent his childhood in a small village.

Related Words

Explore Spanish by topic

SpanishNow

You're Welcome in Spanish: Beyond De Nada

You're welcome in Spanish is more than de nada. Learn con gusto, no hay de qué, a la orden and more — and which to use by region and how formal the moment is.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

How to Say "I Like" in Spanish: Gustar Without the Confusion

Say I like in Spanish with gustar the right way: me gusta vs me gustan, why it's never yo gusto, the pronouns, articles, and five verbs that copy the pattern.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

How to Memorize Spanish Vocabulary Fast (That Sticks)

Memorize Spanish vocabulary fast with a 15-minute daily loop: spaced repetition, frequency-first words, and example-sentence cards that actually stick.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Mexican Spanish Slang Every Traveler Should Know

Mexican Spanish slang decoded for travelers: what güey, mande, órale, and ahorita really mean, who you can safely say them to, and how rude each one is.

June 9, 2026 6 min read