Podcast
Questions and Answers
What are diminutives and augmentatives used for?
What are diminutives and augmentatives used for?
What are some common diminutive suffixes in Spanish?
What are some common diminutive suffixes in Spanish?
-ito/a, -illo/a, -cito/a, -cillo/a, -ecito/a, -ecillo/a
Most words that end in vowels drop the last vowel before adding diminutive suffixes.
Most words that end in vowels drop the last vowel before adding diminutive suffixes.
True
Provide an example of a word that can be made diminutive.
Provide an example of a word that can be made diminutive.
Signup and view all the answers
Which of these suffixes is an augmentative?
Which of these suffixes is an augmentative?
Signup and view all the answers
What new meaning does the word 'manzana' take on when the diminutive suffix is added?
What new meaning does the word 'manzana' take on when the diminutive suffix is added?
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following examples with their respective diminutive forms:
Match the following examples with their respective diminutive forms:
Signup and view all the answers
The suffix -azo can also imply a blow or shot in some words.
The suffix -azo can also imply a blow or shot in some words.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the effect of adding augmentative suffixes to feminine words?
What is the effect of adding augmentative suffixes to feminine words?
Signup and view all the answers
Name two common augmentative suffixes.
Name two common augmentative suffixes.
Signup and view all the answers
In Spanish, the suffix -_______ indicates a diminutive form.
In Spanish, the suffix -_______ indicates a diminutive form.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Diminutives and Augmentatives
- Diminutives (diminutivos) convey smallness or affection, while augmentatives (aumentativos) express largeness or exaggeration.
- Formed by adding suffixes to nouns, adjectives, and sometimes adverbs, these words reflect regional variations in Spanish usage.
Common Diminutive Suffixes
- Frequently used diminutive suffixes include:
- -ito/a
- -illo/a
- -cito/a
- -cillo/a
- -ecito/a
- -ecillo/a
- Example: "cafecito" translates to "little cup of coffee."
Formation Rules for Diminutives
- Many words form the diminutive with -ito/a; for others, with -illo/a depending on the region.
- Words ending in vowels (excluding 'e') drop the final vowel before adding the suffix.
- Examples:
- bajo → bajito (very short)
- libro → librillo (booklet)
Gender and Spelling Changes
- Words ending in -e, -n, or -r often take -cito/a or -cillo/a.
- One-syllable words typically use -ecito/a or -ecillo/a for diminutives.
- Diminutive forms retain final -s in plural words, appearing before the suffix.
Meaning Changes with Diminutives
- Certain words acquire new meanings when diminutive suffixes are applied.
- manzana → manzanilla (apple → chamomile)
- bomba → bombilla (bomb → lightbulb)
Common Augmentative Suffixes
- Common augmentative suffixes include:
- -ón
- -ona
- -ote
- -ota
- -azo
- -aza
- Example: "chichonazo" indicates a large bump on the head.
Formation Rules for Augmentatives
- Augmentatives are typically formed by directly adding the suffix to the base word; final vowels are usually dropped.
- Example: soltero → solterón (confirmed bachelor).
Gender Transformation with Augmentatives
- Feminine nouns may change to masculine forms with the suffix -ón.
- Examples:
- la silla → el sillón (armchair)
- la mujer → la mujerona (big woman)
Unique Initial Letters in Augmentatives
- The prefixes "t" or "et" can occasionally precede augmentative suffixes.
- Example: guapa → guapetona (pretty → very pretty).
Dual Meaning with Augmentative Suffixes
- Certain words gain new meanings when augmentative suffixes are added.
- cabeza → cabezón (head → stubborn)
- caja → cajón (box → drawer)
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the fascinating world of diminutives and augmentatives in Spanish. This quiz will help you understand how these forms are used to express size and emotions such as affection or scorn. Test your knowledge on their formation and application in conversational Spanish.