Questions and Answers
What are diminutives and augmentatives used for?
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.
True
Provide an example of a word that can be made diminutive.
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Which of these suffixes is an augmentative?
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What new meaning does the word 'manzana' take on when the diminutive suffix is added?
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Match the following examples with their respective diminutive forms:
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The suffix -azo can also imply a blow or shot in some words.
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What is the effect of adding augmentative suffixes to feminine words?
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Name two common augmentative suffixes.
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In Spanish, the suffix -_______ indicates a diminutive form.
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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)
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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.
