cosita linda
/kosita linda/from spelling rules
The English phrase "cutie patootie" can be translated into Spanish as cosita linda.
cosita linda is used to refer to an adorable and attractive person. It is a common way to endearingly describe babies, pets or romantic partners.
Meaning: adorable and attractive person (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the diminutive form of cosa (thing), which is cosita and the adjective linda (cute/pretty). It literally translates to "little cute thing".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Because of the diminutive suffix -ita, cosita linda is highly informal and affectionate. Other informal endearing terms include Cielito, which is a diminutive of cielo (meaning "little sky" or "darling") and bombón, which translates to "candy" or "bonbon" and is used for someone sweet and adorable.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the terms chulo or chula are used to describe a cute person.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because cosita is a feminine noun, the adjective linda must also be used in its feminine form.
Did you know?
- In certain Caribbean dialects, someone might call a person cosita as a way to express intense pity or sympathy, rather than just calling them 'cute'.
- While cosita linda is used for affection, the word bombón refers specifically to a chocolate truffle, mirroring the English slang use of 'snack' to describe an attractive person.
- While cosita linda is a sweet compliment, calling someone a cosa (thing) without the diminutive suffix can be an insult, implying the person is an object or lacks character.
Examples in context
- ¡Mi cielito está de buen humor hoy!My cutie patootie is in a good mood today!
- ¡Eres un bombón!You are a cutie patootie!
- ¡Mi hija es un bombón!My daughter is a sweetie!
- Esa bebé es una cosita linda.That baby is a cutie patootie.
- ¡Qué cosita linda eres!What a cutie patootie you are!
- Mira esa cosita linda en la foto.Look at that cutie patootie in the photo.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are looking at a photo of a baby.
- Mateo¿Quién es este niño?Who is this boy?
- MaríaEs mi sobrino, ¿no es una cosita linda?It's my nephew, isn't he a cutie patootie?
- MateoSí, es muy adorable.Yes, he is very adorable.
- MaríaGracias, Mateo.Thank you, Mateo.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
