gatito
/ɡaˈtito/
In Spanish, "little cat" is translated as gatito.
gatito refers to a small cat or a kitten. It can mean a young kitten, but it can also be used to describe an adult cat that is simply small in size. You may also use gatito chiquito to emphasize the small size of the cat in a casual and endearing way.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed by the root gato (cat) and the diminutive suffix -ito (little).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form changes based on gender and number: gatita is used for a little female cat, gatitos is the plural form for masculine or mixed groups and gatitas is the plural form for a group of female cats.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡaˈtito/
Did you know?
- The term gato is also used in Spanish to describe a car jack. Using the diminutive gatito in a garage would refer to a small or miniature jack rather than an animal.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, the word gato is used as a slang term for a servant or someone who does menial work for another.
- The suffix -ito used in gatito is a way to 'soften' the world, a linguistic phenomenon where speakers use diminutives to make requests or statements sound less aggressive.
Examples in context
- El gatito quiere dormir.The little cat wants to sleep.This sentence shows how to use gatito to describe what the little cat wants to do.Tatoeba #1193194 by Shishir, translation #1044867 by ellasevia
- Encontramos un pobre gatito en el patio.We found a poor little cat in the yard.This sentence uses gatito to describe finding a little cat in a yard.Tatoeba #454578 by Shishir, translation #249094 by CK
- Mi querido gatito desapareció hace una semana.My dear little cat disappeared a week ago.This sentence uses gatito to describe a beloved little cat that has disappeared.Tatoeba #1264505 by Shishir, translation #1152408 by belgavox
- Hoy adopté un gatito muy cariñoso.Today I adopted a very affectionate little cat.
- Los gatitos pequeños son adorables.The little cats are adorable.
- ¡Mira ese lindo gatito en la ventana!Look at that cute little cat in the window!
- Mi amigo tiene un gatito chiquito que es pura ternura.My friend has a tiny little cat that is pure sweetness.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are looking at a photo of a pet.
- Elena¿Viste ese gatito en la foto?Did you see that little cat in the photo?
- MateoSí, es un gatito muy bonito.Yes, it is a very cute little cat.
- ElenaEse gatito parece muy juguetón.That little cat looks very playful.
- MateoEs verdad, me encanta ese gatito.It's true, I love that little cat.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry gatito, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
