primito
/pɾimito/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the phrase for "little cousin" is primito.
The term is used to refer to a cousin who is younger than the speaker or small in age. However, the diminutive suffix can also be used to express affection for a cousin, even if the cousin is not actually small in size or age.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed by the root primo (cousin) and the diminutive suffix -ito (little).
Which one should you use?
While primito refers to a male little cousin, the feminine form primita is used for a female little cousin.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form primito changes to the feminine primita when referring to a female cousin. If you are referring exclusively to a group of female little cousins, use the plural form primitas.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾimito/
Did you know?
- The root word primo is a cognate with the English word 'prime', as both come from the Latin word for 'first'.
- In some Latin American regions, calling someone primito can be used as a friendly, colloquial way to address a stranger or a peer, even if you share no biological relation.
- While primito is affectionate, using the diminutive -ito with people who are not family can sometimes be perceived as condescending depending on the tone.
Examples in context
- Mi primo menor vive en España.My little cousin lives in Spain.
- ¡Hola primita, me alegra verte!Hey, little cousin, happy to see you!
- Mi primito es muy travieso.My little cousin is very naughty.
- ¿Viene tu primito a la fiesta?Is your little cousin coming to the party?
- El primito de Luis tiene cinco años.Luis's little cousin is five years old.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are talking about a family gathering.
- SofíaMateo, ¿traes a tu primito hoy?Mateo, are you bringing your little cousin today?
- MateoSí, mi primito vendrá con mis padres.Yes, my little cousin will come with my parents.
- SofíaQué bueno, a él le encantará jugar.That's great, he will love to play.
- MateoÉl es muy sociable, así que sí.He is very sociable, so yes.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
