gatito
/ɡaˈtito/
In Spanish, the phrase "little kitty" is translated as gatito.
gatito refers to a small cat or is used when speaking about a cat in an affectionate or endearing way. The diminutive suffix used here serves two purposes: it denotes the small size of the animal and expresses affection toward it.
What does it mean word for word?
The word gatito is formed by the root gato (cat) and the diminutive suffix -ito, which means "little" or "small".
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word changes based on the gender and number of the cats being discussed. To refer specifically to a female kitty, change the final -o to -a to get gatita. For plurals, use gatitos to refer to a group of male kitties or a mixed-gender group. If you are referring exclusively to a group of female kitties, use gatitas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡaˈtito/
Did you know?
- While gatito means 'kitty', the word gato is also used as a slang term for a 'jack' used to lift a car.
- In Madrid, people from the city are sometimes nicknamed gatos if both their parents and grandparents were also born in the city.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, calling a person gatito or gatita can be used as an endearing way to call them 'cute' or 'sweetheart', moving far beyond the literal meaning of a feline.
Examples in context
- En el patio trasero, hay un gatito pequeño.In the backyard, there is a little kitty.
- El gatito chiquito es muy juguetón.The little kitty is very playful.
- ¡Qué lindo tu gatito/a!How cute your little kitty is!
- Mi vecina tiene un michito que es muy juguetón.My neighbor has a little kitty that is very playful.
- Mira ese gatito blanco.Look at that little white kitty.
- El gatito tiene mucha hambre.The little kitty is very hungry.
- ¡Qué lindo gatito!What a cute little kitty!
Example conversation
María and Daniel are looking at a stray cat in a park.
- María¡Mira ese gatito, Daniel!Look at that little kitty, Daniel!
- DanielEs un gatito muy pequeño.It is a very small little kitty.
- MaríaParece que tiene frío.It looks like he is cold.
- DanielVamos a darle algo de comer.Let's give him something to eat.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry gatito, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
