Mimar vs. consentir vs. malcriar
The Spanish words 'mimar', 'consentir', and 'malcriar' all translate to indulging someone or treating them with excessive care in English. However, they each have a slightly different connotation. Here's an in-depth look at these words:
Mimar
'Mimar' refers to the act of showing affection or love by spoiling or pampering someone, often used in a positive context.
Ella siempre mima a sus nietos con dulces y juguetes.
(She always pampers her grandchildren with sweets and toys.)
Necesito un día de spa para mimarme un poco.
(I need a spa day to pamper myself a little.)
Consentir
'Consentir' translates to allowing someone to do anything they want or overly indulging them, often giving them special advantages or privileges.
Mi padre me consentía mucho cuando era joven.
(My father used to spoil me a lot when I was young.)
No debemos consentir que nuestros hijos hagan lo que quieran.
(We should not allow our children to do whatever they want.)
Malcriar
'Malcriar' is used in a negative context and means overindulging someone to the point that it leads to negative or antisocial behavior.
Si continúas malcriando a tu hijo, será muy difícil para él en el futuro.
(If you continue spoiling your son, he will have a very difficult time in the future.)
La madre estaba malcriando a su hijo permitiéndole saltarse las comidas.
(The mother was spoiling her son by allowing him to skip meals.)
Summary
'Mimar', 'consentir', and 'malcriar' are all Spanish terms referring to spoiling or indulging someone, but differ based on the context. 'Mimar' is mostly positive, showing affection through pampering. 'Consentir' describes indulgement by giving special privileges. However, 'malcriar' negatively reflects over-indulgence leading to poor behavior.