Adding -ito and -ita
To show that something is small, cute, or to express affection, Spanish speakers frequently use "diminutives". The most common diminutive endings are -ito and -ita.
For most words ending in -o or -a, simply drop the final vowel and add -ito (for masculine words) or -ita (for feminine words).
| I like this soft little blanket for the sofa. | Me gusta esta mantita suave para el sofá. |
| I leave the keys in this little wooden basket. | Dejo las llaves en esta cestita de madera. |
Adjectives can also take diminutive endings to soften their meaning or make them sound extra cozy. Just like regular adjectives, the diminutive ending must match the noun's gender and number.
| I used to watch TV under that nice warm little blanket. | Veía la tele debajo de esa mantita calentita. |
Words ending in consonants or -e
If a word ends in a consonant, such as el rincón (the corner), you will typically add -cito or -cita instead of just -ito.
| That little corner is my favorite place in the house. | Aquel rinconcito es mi lugar favorito de la casa. |
For words ending in the letter -e, the pattern varies a bit. Longer words usually just drop the -e and take the standard -ito or -ita, as with el peluche.
| The boy has a very pretty little stuffed toy. | El niño tiene un peluchito muy bonito. |
However, shorter two-syllable words ending in -e often take the -cito ending, like el cofre becoming el cofrecito.
| I keep my letters in this little chest. | Guardo mis cartas en este cofrecito. |