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HomeItalian News"Small" Italian suffix (The Diminutive Suffix)

“Small” Italian suffix (The Diminutive Suffix)


Tiny is a suffix (a part of speech we add to the end of a root word to change its meaning) that suggests smallness or a sense of intimacy. We have some English language. Most often, to imply that something is small or young, we can add -y or -ie. For example, if a dog is small, we might call it a “doggie.” Or, a young child might address her mother as “Mom” to add sweet affection. Some of the more common small words in English are –ette or –let (as in kitchenFirst or piglet), or –ling (like duckLing).

Italian also has abbreviations. These small words can imply smallness, youth, or cuteness. Let’s talk about two of the most common abbreviations in Italian: –ino with – However.

small italian suffix

add an acronym

suffix –ino with – However can be easily added to most nouns, with a few exceptions (more on that later). Simply chop off the final vowel and replace it with a suffix.Take the noun as an example nasal cord (nose) with Family (Room):

nasal cord nas_small nose


small nose Might be used when cooing into the baby’s little button nose.

Family Chinese Academy of Sciences_cabin


cabin Can be used to describe your cabin in the woods.

The minor words in both versions should be changed to match the gender and number of the noun.For example, a feminine noun would be changed – Thenno –inoPlural nouns should be changed to -have / -Firstno – However.

singular masculine -existo -oneo
strange femininity -existA sort of -oneA sort of
plural masculine -existA generation -oneA generation
plural feminine -existelectronic -oneelectronic

try adding a diminutive to plural nouns village (village, from the singular nation) with Bag (sack either Bagfrom singular Sacco):

village pace_village


small village Can be used to describe the numerous small villages in the mountains of Tuscany.

Bag Sachet_Bag


(note the added “h” to keep the hard /c/ sound on the “e” – However attach)

Bag Can be used when asking for a few plastic bags to help you get your groceries home.

be careful

–ino with – However Sometimes interchangeable, but not always.For example, you can say younger brother (younger brother) but not younger brother,you can say little cousin (little cousin) but not little cousin. What’s more, some nouns, when you add a suffix, become equivalent to another already existing root.Therefore, you cannot add the suffix –ino arrive heel (heel) when talking about your favorite kitty heels because then you’ll be talking about turkey (turkey) instead!

Unfortunately, there is no single rule for when to use –ino relatively – Howeverso it’s a matter of knowing where they apply on a case-by-case basis.

Ragdoll cat kitten portrait on a funny knott pillow at home.
Gato (Cat) → kitten (kitten / kitten)

Other uses (other than “small”)

In addition to “small”, there is also trumpet –ino with – However Can also imply youth or affection.Thus, we can add – Then this phrase elder sister (elder sister) to indicate that she is a younger sibling.

elder sister sun_younger sister


Or, you can add more affection when talking to your adorable four-legged friend. cubmeaning is Small animals either cubIs an commonly used pet names. To add more affection, add small –ino.

cubpuppy_puppy


A proper name can also be modified with a suffix as a nickname or endearment.In this case, cutie Giuseppe on a road that might be affectionately known as Josephine. A great example that all Italian kids know comes from our imaginary friend Mickey Mouse, known in Italian as “little mouse” or little mouse. Here, the word mouse (topology) is modified to –ino (– bright).

Remembering the gender and number convention rules, can you guess which of Mickey’s friends is called? Topolina?

Can you use it in a sentence?

Let’s see if we can translate this sentence correctly.

There is a little star in the sky.

You can translate this sentence as follows:

There is a little star in the sky.


However, using a small body to suggest a star’s cuteness (and smaller size) sounds just as natural.

There is a little star in the sky.


feel the stars and angels
Shine, shine, little star, in the sky, little one… = Shine, shine, little star, in the sky, so small… (Italian version of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”)

The everyday impact of microcosm

Suffixes are very commonly used in Italian. There are a large number of suffixes that suggest different attributes, such as big, unpleasant, cute, or pity. The widespread use of suffixes and abbreviations has subconsciously changed the Italian language. Some nouns with additional suffixes are so common that they have their own definitions:

kiss (kiss) with kiss (quick light kiss on the cheek, a common greeting)

word (word) with bad language (curse words) – this example uses a different suffix to suggest ugly or dirty

sweater (sweater) with T-shirt (T-shirt)

window (window) with window (window)


Other small words for “small”

–ino with – However are the two most common Italian suffixes meaning “little”, but there are the other four It is worth familiarizing yourself with:

  • -it / – Ella > for example Tree “tree” becomes sapling “Sapling”
  • –(u)olo / – (you) life > for example affairs “thing” becomes she is busy “little chores”
  • – here (u)olo / – here (u)ola > for example the party “party” becomes small party “small intimate party” – meaning small and often insignificant
  • –iciattolo / Ichatola > for example monster “Monster” Transformation little monster “Little monster” – with negative connotations

Diminutive suffixes are an important part of the Italian language.Especially when you find yourself with children or parents of young children, you hear these –ino with – However Endings are frequent! Using suffixes is a habit that takes some time to develop. Try to pay attention when you read or hear these modifiers, and then notice yourself using the same modifiers later on.



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