Aug 4

Written by: San
8/4/2008 7:11 PM

hija and hijo are used regularly in mexico not only to indicate the children of someone (which, by the way, if there is a mixture of boys and girls, the words 'mis hijos'  --  my children are used) but as a way of addressing someone with affection.  there are different levels of affection here, too, and the pronunciation is a bit different when using it this way.  i know, so confusing.  anyway, someone you know and like, even if it's a waitress or store clerk, you can use the phrase 'mija or mijo', pronounced mee ha    or    mee ho.  it's a level of familiarity that you wouldn't normally use w/ your doctor or dentist, but someone younger than you in age and/or station.  it shows that you like them.  these same words can be used even more affectionately between boy/girlfriends, lovers, couples (married or not), or older people to younger people, like my mother-in-law uses it w/ her sons and daughters, and even with me, which makes my heart smile.  so, check your options and decide how and where you want to use these words.  they're versatile and flexible, and can make us more so as well.

this week, if you care or dare, try this out with someone.  if you've used it correctly, you probably won't get much of a reaction, but if you use it incorrectly, you probably will.  live and learn!                     enjoy!

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