librito
/libɾito/from spelling rules
The phrase "little book" in Spanish is translated as librito.
Both librito and librillo can be used to refer to a little book. Librito is used informally to denote a small-sized book, while librillo is used colloquially to describe a little book.
How does it change in a sentence?
librito is the diminutive form of the masculine noun libro.
How do you pronounce it?
/libɾito/
Did you know?
- Depending on the context and tone, calling a book a librito can be used sarcastically to imply that the work is insignificant, simplistic or lacks intellectual depth.
- In Spanish, adding -ito to libro doesn't always mean the book is physically small. It can be used to express affection or a sense of endearment toward the object.
- The suffix -ito used in librito comes from the Late Latin suffix -ittus, which was a common way to create smaller versions of nouns.
Examples in context
- El profesor mencionó que nos asignaría un librito para el próximo examen.The professor mentioned that he would assign us a little book for the upcoming exam.
- En la biblioteca, puedes encontrar varios librillos sobre arte latinoamericano.In the library, you can find several small books on Latin American art.
- ¿Me prestas ese librito?Can you lend me that little book?
- No te preocupes por ese examen. Es solo un librillo de repaso.Don't worry about that exam. It's just a small review book.
- Tengo un librito de poemas.I have a little book of poems.
- Ese librito es muy antiguo.That little book is very old.
- ¿Me prestas ese librito?Will you lend me that little book?
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are in a library.
- Sofía¿Qué es ese librito, Alejandro?What is that little book, Alejandro?
- AlejandroEs un librito de notas.It is a little notebook.
- SofíaEs muy bonito.It is very pretty.
- AlejandroGracias, Sofía.Thanks, Sofía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries librito, CC BY-SA 4.0.
