Bebe vs. Bebes: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 22, 2024
"Bebe" is the singular form in Spanish for "baby" or "drinks," while "Bebes" is either the second person singular present tense of "to drink" or the plural form of "baby."
Key Differences
"Bebe" in Spanish translates to "baby" as a noun, referring to a very young child. In verb form, it translates to "he/she/it drinks." "Bebes," on the other hand, is the conjugation of the verb "beber" (to drink) in the second person singular present tense, meaning "you drink." As a plural noun, it also means "babies," the plural form of "bebe."
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 22, 2024
In the context of usage, "bebe" is used when talking about a single baby or when one individual is drinking. For example, "El bebe duerme" (The baby sleeps) or "Él bebe agua" (He drinks water). "Bebes," in contrast, is used when addressing someone directly in the act of drinking, as in "Tú bebes agua" (You drink water), or referring to multiple babies, as in "Los bebes lloran" (The babies cry).
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 22, 2024
Grammatically, "bebe" serves as both a singular noun and a third person singular verb form. This dual role shows the word's versatility in sentences. "Bebes," however, is specific to the second person singular in verbs or serves as a plural noun, indicating its use in more personalized or collective contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 22, 2024
The pronunciation of these words differs subtly. "Bebe" is pronounced with emphasis on the first syllable, sounding like "BEH-beh." In contrast, "Bebes" has a slight stress on the second syllable, pronounced as "beh-BES." This difference is essential for conveying the correct meaning in spoken Spanish.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 22, 2024
Understanding the distinction is crucial in Spanish as it affects the meaning of sentences significantly. Using "bebe" correctly identifies a single baby or an act by a third person, while "bebes" properly addresses an individual's action or refers to multiple babies, ensuring clarity in communication.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 22, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Verb Conjugation
Third person singular present of "to drink"
Second person singular present of "to drink"
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Feb 22, 2024
Usage in Sentence
Refers to one baby or third person's action
Refers to multiple babies or second person's action
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Feb 22, 2024
Example Context
"El bebe duerme" (The baby sleeps)
"Los bebes lloran" (The babies cry)
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 22, 2024
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Bebe and Bebes Definitions
Bebe
Third person singular present tense of "to drink" in Spanish.
Él bebe un vaso de agua.
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Jan 20, 2024
Bebes
Refers to the actions of multiple infants.
Cuando los bebes lloran, necesitan atención.
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Jan 20, 2024
Bebe
Refers to a single infant or young child.
El bebe está durmiendo tranquilamente.
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Jan 20, 2024
Bebe
Indicates one person's action of drinking.
Ella bebe té todas las mañanas.
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Jan 20, 2024
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Bebes
Used when addressing someone directly about their drinking.
¿Por qué bebes tanto café?
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Jan 20, 2024
Bebe
Used to describe an individual baby's actions or state.
El bebe sonríe cuando me ve.
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Jan 20, 2024
Bebes
Second person singular present of "to drink."
Tú bebes jugo de naranja ahora.
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Jan 20, 2024
Bebes
Indicates a direct conversation about drinking habits.
Bebes mucha agua, lo cual es saludable.
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Jan 20, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What does "bebe" mean in English?
"Bebe" translates to "baby" or "he/she/it drinks."
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 22, 2024
Can "bebe" refer to a child of any age?
Typically, it refers to a very young child or infant.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 22, 2024
Are "bebe" and "bebes" pronounced the same?
No, their stress is on different syllables.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 22, 2024
How is "bebes" used in Spanish?
As "you drink" or the plural form of "babies."
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 22, 2024
Is "bebes" used in formal or informal Spanish?
"Bebes" is used in both, depending on context.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 22, 2024
In what context would you use "bebe"?
When talking about a single baby or an individual's drinking.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 22, 2024
Can "bebes" mean something other than "babies" or "you drink"?
No, these are its primary meanings.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 22, 2024
Does "bebes" have a singular form?
Yes, "bebe" for "baby" or "he/she/it drinks."
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 22, 2024
Does "bebe" have other meanings besides "baby"?
Yes, it also means "he/she/it drinks."
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 22, 2024
When is "bebes" most appropriately used?
When addressing someone's drinking or referring to multiple babies.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 22, 2024
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Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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