pequenino
/pi.kiˈnĩ.nu/
The English phrase "little one" is translated into Portuguese as pequenino.
pequenino is used to refer to a young child. It can also function as an adjective meaning "little" or "tiny".
Meaning: young child (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, it is common to use pequenino(a) or bebezinho(a) to say "little one". In Portugal, miúdo(a) or pequenote(a) might be more prevalent for saying "little one".
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine singular form is pequenino. To refer to a female little one, use the feminine pequenina. For masculine plural "little ones", use pequeninos and for feminine plural "little ones", use pequeninas.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has four syllables, and the stress is on the third syllable: /pi.kiˈnĩ.nu/.
Did you know?
- The diminutive pequenino can be doubled as pequenininho to express even greater affection or to emphasize how tiny the child is.
- Portuguese uses a specific system of 'affective diminutives' where words like pequenino are used to show love rather than to describe actual physical size.
- The word pequenote is a playful variation of pequeno that adds a sense of affection and endearment, often used when talking directly to a 'little one'.
Examples in context
- Bom dia, meu querido meninoGood morning, my dear little one
- Como você está, meu pequenino?How are you, my little one?
- Parabéns, minha pequenina, pelo seu sucessoCongratulations, my little one, on your achievement
- Vem cá, meu bebêCome here, my little one
- Como está meu bebê mais lindo?How is my most beautiful little one?
- Oi, miúdo! Vamos jogar?Hey, little one! Shall we play?
- Venha cá, miúda, preciso falar com vocêCome here, little one, I need to talk to you
- O pequenino dormiu a tarde toda.The little one slept all afternoon.
- Aquele pequenino está a brincar no jardim.That little one is playing in the garden.
Example conversation
Juliana and Felipe are looking at a baby.
- JulianaOlha que pequenino tão fofo!Look at such a cute little one!
- FelipeEle parece muito com o pai.He looks a lot like the father.
- JulianaO pequenino já está a sorrir para nós.The little one is already smiling at us.
- FelipeEle é mesmo encantador.He really is charming.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pequenino, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
