osito
/oˈsito/
The Spanish phrase for "little bear" is osito.
osito is used to describe a small bear or a bear cub, often conveying a sense of tenderness. In a colloquial context, it is also commonly used to refer to a teddy bear.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed by combining oso (bear) with the diminutive suffix -ito (little or small).
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes based on gender and number: use osita to refer specifically to a little female bear, and use the plural form ositos to refer to multiple little bears.
How do you pronounce it?
/oˈsito/
Did you know?
- In some contexts, the word oso can be a slang term for an embarrassing social blunder, often phrased as hacer un oso.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, osito is used as a romantic nickname for a partner, similar to how an English speaker might use 'honey' or 'sweetie'.
- The Spanish diminutive -ito is so versatile that it can be used to make almost any noun sound more endearing or less threatening.
Examples in context
- ¡Mi sobrino es como un oso pequeño!My nephew is like a little bear!
- Mira a ese niño, es como un osito de pelucheLook at that child, he's like a teddy bear
- El osito es muy tierno.The little bear is very cute.
- Vi un osito en el bosque.I saw a little bear in the forest.
- Ese osito de peluche es suave.That little bear toy is soft.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are looking at a picture book in a nursery.
- Alejandro¿Ves al osito en la foto?Do you see the little bear in the photo?
- LucíaSí, el osito es muy bonito.Yes, the little bear is very pretty.
- AlejandroParece un osito muy valiente.He looks like a very brave little bear.
- LucíaEs un osito muy especial.He is a very special little bear.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry osito, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
