Diminutives show small size, affection, or sometimes irony by adding endings to nouns (and sometimes adjectives or even names). They vary by region, so paying attention to local forms helps you sound natural.
Common Endings
The most common diminutive endings are -ito / -ita, -cito / -cita, and -ecito / -ecita, which you attach based on the noun's gender and ending. The chosen ending can slightly change the nuance from simply small to very cute or endearing.
-ito / -ita
The endings -ito and -ita are broadly used to form diminutives and attach directly to the noun stem when the noun ends in a vowel; they signal small size or affection.
| Spanish Word | Spanish Diminutive | English Word | English Diminutive | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| perro | perrito | dog | little dog | |
| casa | casita | house | little house |
The table is very small/lovely.
-cito / -cita
Use -cito / -cita after stems ending in consonants or when you want a slightly more delicate diminutive; they often follow the removal of a soft vowel from the stem.
| Spanish Word | Spanish Diminutive | English Word | English Diminutive | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| flor | florecita | flower | little flower | |
| pan | panecito | bread | little bread |
-ecito / -ecita
The endings -ecito and -ecita add extra tenderness and typically attach after dropping or softening the noun's final sound; they are common in affectionate speech.
| Spanish Word | Spanish Diminutive | English Word | English Diminutive | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| niño | niñecito | boy | little boy | |
| gato | gatito | cat | little cat |
Regional Variations
Different Spanish-speaking regions prefer different diminutive endings like -ito, -ico, -illo, or -ete, so listening to local speech helps you pick the most natural form. For example, -ico is common in parts of Colombia and Costa Rica, while -illo appears in Spain.
| Region | Spanish Diminutive | English Word | English Diminutive | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | perrillo | dog | little dog | |
| Colombia/Costa Rica | perrico | dog | little dog | |
| Mexico | perrito | dog | little dog |
Uses Beyond Size
Diminutives can signal affection, soften requests, make something sound less serious, or even add irony depending on context and tone; they are not always literal. Speakers use them to create rapport or to downplay an object's importance.
Formation Tips
To form a diminutive, first identify the noun's gender and ending, then choose the appropriate diminutive ending to add or replace the final vowel; watch for stem changes when adding suffixes like -ecito. Practice with familiar words to feel the pattern.
Summary
Diminutives add meaning beyond small size by marking affection, tone, and regional flavor through endings like -ito, -cito, and -ecito; paying attention to context and local forms will make your speech more natural and nuanced.
Last updated: Fri Oct 24, 2025