Game: Words that end in -illa or -illo?

Question

Today I made a Tortilla Española with my nephew.

I tried to explain that a torta is a cake in Spanish and I believe that the "illa" at the end denotes that it is in a round form. But, then, maybe it means small.

I started to think of other words that end in -illa or -illo...

anillo -- ring

bocadillo -- small bite -- snack (originally, filled roll).

So, am I right that -illa or -illo denote round shape?

No. I did some research and the -illo, -illa suffix is usually, but not always to denote the diminutive. Some stand alone words end with this suffix, words that do not denote smallness, so go figure. More commonly, the diminutive is denoted by -ito and -ita. Additionally, some regions of Spain and some Spanish-speaking countries go one way and some go another.

And, for the game...no need to keep it in alphabetical order, but let's post vocabulary words in Spanish that end in -illa or -illo, so that we can get familiar with them.

Because these are all nouns, add a picture if you like. It helps reinforce the learning for us visual learners.

I thought you could add an illo or illa ending to almost any spanish word to denote that it is small? - fatchocobo, Dec 20, 2010

I think that is -ito or ita. - JoyceM, Dec 20, 2010

Answer 1

toquilla headscarf

Answer 2

Sombrilla - parasol, sunshade

Answer 3

Borreguillo - Fleece

Answer 4

vajilla = tableware
1. Table-service of dishes, plates, etc. Vajilla de porcelana, Chinaware. (f)

* Lavar la vajilla -> to wash up   

Answer 5

calzoncillo = underpants (slip) (British), shorts (United States); boxer shorts

Answer 6

Castillo= castle

Hey it's round at the top.

If anybody would like to add a picture, that would be great, I am unable to do so with my droid x, maybe with the next software update, hope so, thank you. - EL_MAG0, Dec 23, 2010

Answer 7

zapatilla - slipper, comfortable shoe

In Mexico "zapatilla" means "high heel shoe" :P - InésDelRío, Dec 21, 2010

That's good to know. Thank you! - lkelly, Dec 22, 2010

Answer 8

flequillo = fringe (British), bangs (United States)

Answer 9

Lazarillo (del Tormes) - a young boy who had lots of adventures and misfortunes.

Answer 10

Alfombrilla de ratón -- Mouse pad

Good one. I have never heard of that before, but it makes sense. - JoyceM, Dec 22, 2010

Answer 11

el manilla:

1. (dim.) Small hand. (m)
2. Bracelet for the arm or wrist (pulsera). (m)
3. Manacle, handcuff (de hierro). (m)
4. Hand (de reloj). (m)
5. Door handle. (Andes & Mexico) (m)

Joyce, I think it should be femenine. - cogumela, Dec 21, 2010

The dictionary has it as masculine, but their are listings on google under both "la" and "el." No se. - JoyceM, Dec 22, 2010

Answer 12

panecillo = bun or small loaf of bread; conejillo = bunny or small rabbit; canastilla = small basket ; manecilla = small hand ; bolsillo = pocket or small purse; banquillo = bench or little stool

Answer 13

Zarcillo - Earring

For the record, also: pendiente, arracada. (Cuba y Méx.) Arete, aro, caravana.

Answer 14

Membrillo

1. Quince-tree. (Botany) (m)
2. Quince, the fruit of the quince-tree. (m)
3. Quince jelly (m)

Answer 15

Mantequilla = butter