The diminutive suffix: -ito / -ita
In Spanish, the suffixes -ito and -ita are incredibly common. While they often indicate that something is physically small, they are used just as frequently to show affection, soften a request, or make a conversation feel friendlier.
To form a diminutive, drop the final vowel of a noun or adjective and add -ito, -ita, -itos, or -itas to match its gender and number.
| If you cut only the little ends, the hair will turn out very even. | Si cortas solamente las puntitas, el pelo quedará muy parejito. |
| I want the sideburns nice and short, please. | Yo quiero las patillas cortitas, por favor. |
| If you want a cute, different hairstyle, I will use gel on these little layers. | Si quieres un peinadito diferente, usaré gel en estas capitas. |
Softening your words
When asking for something or making a suggestion, especially at places like a hair salon, diminutives act as a polite social cushion. Asking for un poquito (a little bit) instead of un poco sounds gentler and less demanding.
| If you use a little bit of conditioner, you will not need the hairdryer. | Si usas un poquito de acondicionador, no necesitarás el secador. |
| Right now the stylist will touch up your little bangs again. | Ahorita el estilista volverá a retocar tu flequillito. |
Adverbs: Ahorita and Despacito
You can even attach these suffixes to adverbs! Doing so usually adds emphasis or immediacy. For example, despacio means slowly, but despacito means very slowly and carefully.
| The stylist will finish the hairstyle very slowly with a little bit of gel. | El estilista terminará el peinado muy despacito con un poquito de gel. |
One of the most famous diminutives in Latin America is ahorita. While ahora means "now," ahorita can mean "right now," "in a little while," or "just a moment," depending on the context.
| Right now the stylist will dry your little layers. | Ahorita el estilista secará tus capitas. |