Diminutives
4
votes
i can't understand diminutives(-ito). can you explain it further?
2418 views
updated Sep 3, 2010
posted by jenny_shufan
4 Answers
3
votes
Basically, they are carrying a connotation of physically weaker (frail, fragile??) or smaller size, or they are a term of endearment expressing sentiment or familiarity.
updated Apr 1, 2012
edited by 0074b507
posted by 0074b507
Does that mean Heidita means Little Heidi? :) - JoshuaBelden, Sep 2, 2010
You got it, 'dear' little Heidi! - margaretbl, Sep 2, 2010
It's similar to how you would call your daughter, hijita. - 0074b507, Sep 3, 2010
1
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In Cuba, "ico" is commonly used as a diminutive, rather than "ito", for example, "un ratico", "un momentico". I don't know if this is the case in other spanish-speaking countries.
updated Sep 3, 2010
posted by Sheily
1
vote
Oh, I just thought of something, it's like saying -y in English of course, when you call your child Johnny, instead of John, etc... It's endearing....
updated Sep 2, 2010
posted by margaretbl
Wow. Good Job. I never made that connection. - JoshuaBelden, Sep 2, 2010
1
vote
You've got to love a language where they can take just about any noun and, simply by adding a little -ito manage to make it cute and cuddly!
¡Besitos a todos!
updated Sep 2, 2010
posted by Echoline
