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ahijado means godson — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: April 1, 2026

🌶️ Mexican Slang

ahijado

noun • /[a-ee-HA-do]/

godson

Example:

Mi ahijado cumple años hoy.

My godson has a birthday today.

🧠 What does ahijado mean?

While 'ahijado' traditionally refers to a godson, in Mexican slang, it has evolved to denote a protégé, a younger person whom an elder admires, mentors, or feels responsible for. This usage often implies a familial or close bond, even if there is no religious connection. It carries a sense of fondness and a desire to guide or protect the younger individual. The term can be used affectionately, sometimes with a hint of paternalistic pride. It is a term of endearment and respect given by an older person to a younger one they have taken under their wing.

📚 Extra examples

  • Mi ahijado de la oficina ya aprendió todo lo que le enseñé.
    My protégé at the office has already learned everything I taught him.
  • Él considera a su sobrino su ahijado espiritual y lo guía en la vida.
    He considers his nephew his spiritual godson and guides him in life.
  • Siempre cuida mucho a su ahijado, le da buenos consejos.
    She always takes good care of her godson, giving him good advice.
  • Los jóvenes artistas ven a los maestros como sus ahijados.
    Young artists see their teachers as their protégés.

💡 Did You Know?

While the term 'ahijado' is rooted in religious tradition, its application in Mexican slang highlights a cultural emphasis on mentorship and the passing down of knowledge and values from one generation to the next.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "ahijado"

Synonyms: protegido, discípulo, mentoreado, pupilo, ahijada
Opposites: padrino, madrina, mentor, tutor

🔍 See more mexican slang words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'godson' in Spanish?
The most direct translation for 'godson' in Spanish is 'ahijado'.
How do you pronounce 'ahijado' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'ahijado' is approximately ah-EE-hah-doh.
How do you use 'ahijado' in a sentence?
You can use 'ahijado' to refer to a godson, as in 'Mi ahijado se casa el próximo mes' (My godson is getting married next month). In Mexican slang, it can be used for a protégé: 'Ella es mi ahijada en el negocio' (She is my protégé in the business).
What is the English translation of 'ahijado'?
The primary English translation of 'ahijado' is 'godson'. In informal contexts, particularly in Mexican slang, it can also translate to 'protégé' or a favored younger person.
Does 'ahijado' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'ahijado' changes for gender and number. The masculine singular is 'ahijado', the feminine singular is 'ahijada', the masculine plural is 'ahijados', and the feminine plural is 'ahijadas'.
Is 'ahijado' common in everyday Spanish?
The traditional use of 'ahijado' (godson) is common. The slang usage as a protégé or favored younger person is more specific to certain regions, notably Mexico, and depends on the social context.
Does 'ahijado' have slang or double meanings?
Yes, in Mexican slang, 'ahijado' is often used informally to refer to a protégé, mentee, or a younger person who is looked after and guided by an elder, going beyond the religious context of a godson.
Is 'ahijado' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
In Spain, 'ahijado' almost exclusively refers to the religious godson. In Latin America, especially in Mexico, the slang usage of 'ahijado' to mean a protégé or favored younger person is more prevalent. The core meaning of godson remains understood everywhere.

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