Augmentatives
Augmentatives show that something is larger, more intense, or sometimes more impressive or grotesque. They tweak meaning with added force or vividness.
Formation
Augmentatives are normally formed by adding suffixes to a noun, and the exact suffix can change meaning or nuance. Sometimes the augmentative triggers a change in gender.
Common Suffixes
Common augmentative suffixes vary by region, but -ón, -azo, and -ote are widely used to signal largeness or intensity. Each suffix can carry slightly different connotations.
-ón
Adding -ón typically makes the noun bigger or more forceful, and it often changes the gender to masculine. It can also add a sense of strength or heft.
| Spanish Word | Augmentative | English Word | English Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| casa (f) | casona (f) | house | big house |
| coche (m) | cochón (m) | car | very large car |
| flor (f) | florón (m) | flower | ornate large flower |
-azo
The suffix -azo can indicate great size but also adds emphasis or admiration; it is often used to signal a striking example. It usually keeps the gender of the original noun.
| Spanish Word | Augmentative | English Word | English Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| libro (m) | librazo (m) | book | huge/impressive book |
| puerta (f) | portazo (m) | door | loud/forceful slam (literal or figurative) |
| balón (m) | balonazo (m) | ball | big/hard hit with ball |
-ote
Suffix -ote gives a sense of largeness often with a slightly coarse or affectionate tone. It usually retains the noun's gender and can imply heaviness or clumsiness.
| Spanish Word | Augmentative | English Word | English Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| silla (f) | sillote (m) | chair | very large/heavy chair |
| gato (m) | gatote (m) | cat | big/stocky cat |
| nariz (f) | narizote (m) | nose | very large nose (humorous) |
Regional Variation
Some augmentative suffixes are regional: -ote is common in Spain and Latin America, -ón widely understood, and -azo also used figuratively as a "blow" or "hit." Local usage affects nuance.
Effect on Gender
Augmentative suffixes sometimes change the noun's gender, which affects articles and agreement. For example, la casa becomes el casón. This gender shift is predictable for certain suffixes.
Meaning Nuance
Beyond size, augmentatives can signal quality, intensity, or attitude—such as admiration, sarcasm, or grotesqueness. Context and tone determine whether the augmentative is praise or exaggeration.
Usage
Use augmentatives to add vivid detail when describing objects, people, or events. They are common in spoken language and literature for color and emphasis. Avoid overuse to keep impact.
Summary
Augmentatives modify nouns with suffixes like -ón, -azo and -ote to signal largeness or intensity; they sometimes change gender and add nuance of force, praise, or humor.
Last updated: Sun Sep 14, 2025