gatito
/ɡaˈtito/masculine
The Spanish word for kitten is gatito. Wiktionary also lists minino.
Meaning: a young cat (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| gatito | /ɡaˈtito/ | masculine |
| minino | /miˈnino/ | masculine |
The word is used to refer to a young cat.
What does it mean word for word?
gatito is formed by adding the diminutive suffix -ito to the base word gato (cat), literally meaning "little cat".
Which one should you use?
While gatito is the standard way to say kitten, minino is a more colloquial, affectionate term similar to "kitty" or "puss".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
minino is a colloquial and affectionate way to refer to a cat or kitten. Gatete is an informal diminutive form of gato used to refer to kittens.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer specifically to a female kitten, use the feminine form gatita.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡaˈtito/
Did you know?
- While gatito uses the diminutive suffix -ito, you can also use gatillo to refer to a 'trigger' in a mechanical sense, which sounds very similar.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, calling a person gatito or gatita can be a way to imply they are 'cute' or 'charming' in a flirtatious context.
- The word gato (cat) is also the word for 'jack' in certain card games, making the diminutive gatito sound quite different in a gambling context.
Examples in context
- El gatito se murió.The kitten died.This sentence shows how to use gatito to state that a kitten died.Tatoeba #6731401 by arh, translation #6731180 by Eccles17
- Ha nacido un gatito.A kitten was born.This sentence shows how to use gatito to state that a kitten was born.Tatoeba #5824517 by albrusgher, translation #4091889 by andymakespasta
- Ese gatito es tan mono.That kitten is so cute.This sentence shows how to use gatito to describe a kitten as cute.Tatoeba #5824527 by albrusgher, translation #5499294 by mailohilohi
- ¡Mira qué gatito más bonito!Look at that cute kitten!
- Mi hermana adoptó a un michi precioso.My sister adopted a beautiful kitten.
- ¡Ese gatete es tan juguetón!That little kitten is so playful!
- Me encantan los cachorros de gato.I love kittens.
- 31 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are looking at a pet store window.
- AlejandroSofía, mira ese gatito.Sofía, look at that kitten.
- Sofía¡Es precioso!, Alejandro.It is beautiful, Alejandro!
- Alejandro¿Podemos comprar el gatito?Can we buy the kitten?
- SofíaPrimero debemos preguntarle a mamá.First we must ask mom.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kitten” translations and entries gatito, minino, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
