Augmentatives
Augmentatives show that something is larger, more intense, or sometimes more impressive or even ridiculous. They often add flavor and attitude to speech.
Formation
Augmentatives are usually formed by adding an ending to the noun's stem, and the ending you choose can depend on dialect and whether the noun is masculine or feminine.
Common Endings
Endings like -贸n, -ona, -ote, -ota, -azo, and -aza are among the most common augmentative suffixes and each can give a slightly different nuance.
| Spanish Example | English Translation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 馃悩 El elefante es enorme. | The elephant is enormous. | Literal large size |
| 馃悐 El cocodrilo es cocodrilote.** | The crocodile is huge. | Augmentative form |
| 馃 La jirafa es jirafota.** | The giraffe is very tall. | Feminine augmentative |
| 馃惓 El ballenote apareci贸 en el mar. | The big whale appeared in the sea. | Noticeable size |
| 馃Ε El perezosote duerme todo el d铆a. | The very lazy sloth sleeps all day. | Figurative augmentative |
Examples
| Spanish Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 馃悩 El elefante es elefant贸n en la sabana. | The elephant is a huge elephant on the savanna. |
| 馃惂 El ping眉ino es ping眉inote junto al iceberg. | The penguin is a big penguin next to the iceberg. |
| 馃 El canguro cangur贸n salt贸 muy lejos. | The kangaroo bigjumper hopped very far. |
| 馃Ι La flamenca flamancota se par贸 en una pata. | The big flamingo stood on one leg. |
| 馃Θ El zorrillo zorrillote levant贸 la cola. | The skunk raised its big tail. |
Nuance
Augmentatives can signal literal size, but they can also convey admiration, mockery, or affection depending on context and tone.
Diminutives vs Augmentatives
While diminutives make things smaller or cuter, augmentatives make things bigger or more intense; sometimes both can be used ironically.
Regional Variation
Different Spanish-speaking regions prefer different augmentative endings, so you'll hear some forms more in Mexico, others in Spain or Argentina.
Summary
Augmentatives enrich description by marking size or intensity and by adding speaker attitude; learn a few common endings and pay attention to regional uses.
Last updated: Sun Sep 14, 2025