Augmentatives show that something is bigger, more intense, or sometimes more impressive or even ridiculous, depending on context and ending. They often add flavor and attitude to speech.
Formation
Augmentatives are usually formed by adding an ending to the noun's stem; common endings vary by dialect but endings like -ón, -ote, -azo, and -ote are typical. The gender of the augmentative ending normally matches the noun.
Common Endings
Endings like -ón, -ona, -ote, -ota, -azo, and -aza are among the most common augmentative suffixes and each can give a slightly different nuance.
| Spanish Ending | English Meaning | Spanish Word | English Translation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| -ón | big / impressive | ratón | big mouse | |
| -ona | big / feminine | casona | big house | |
| -ote | big / informal | perrote | big dog | |
| -ota | big / feminine | manota | big hand | |
| -azo | big / impressive / affectionate | golazo | amazing goal | |
| -aza | big / impressive / feminine | mujeraza | amazing woman |
Examples
-ón
-ote
-azo
Nuance
An augmentative can signal literal size, greater importance, or sometimes irony or admiration; tone and context determine whether it's positive, neutral, or mocking. Augmentatives can also affect whether you sound formal, colloquial, or playful.
Diminutives vs Augmentatives
Whereas diminutives make things smaller or cuter, augmentatives make things larger or more intense; some nouns can take both to show fine distinctions in size or attitude. Sometimes a diminutive added after an augmentative softens the effect.
Regional Variation
Different Spanish-speaking regions prefer different augmentative endings, so you'll hear some forms more in Mexico, others in Spain or Argentina; local novels and films are good sources for regional augmentatives. Learn augmentatives relevant to the dialect you want to speak.
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 so you can both understand and sound natural. Practice changing nouns into augmentatives in short sentences to feel their effect.
Last updated: Fri Oct 24, 2025