pimentoncito
/pimentonθito/from spelling rules
The English phrase "little pepper" is translated into Spanish as pimentoncito.
This phrase refers to a small pepper used for cooking or seasoning.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed by the base pimentón (paprika/pepper) and the diminutive suffix -cito (little/small).
Which one should you use?
Pimientita is an affectionate, diminutive way to say "little pepper" in an informal context and Pimientito is a masculine diminutive way to say "little pepper" in an informal context.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of pimentoncito is pimentoncitos.
How do you pronounce it?
/pimentonθito/
Did you know?
- The words pimienta and pimentón both derive from the same root, but pimienta almost always refers to black or white peppercorns, not chili peppers.
- In some cultures, the diminutive -cito in pimentoncito is used as a 'courtesy diminutive' to make a request for a pepper sound less demanding and more polite.
- While pimentón refers to the plant, in Spain it specifically denotes the smoked paprika powder used in dishes like pimentón de la Vera.
Examples in context
- Mi amor, eres mi pimientita.My love, you are my little pepper.
- ¡Hola, pimientilla! ¿Qué tal estuvo tu día?Hello, little pepper! How was your day?
- Pon un pimentoncito en la olla.Put a little pepper in the pot.
- Ese pimentoncito le da mucho sabor.That little pepper gives it a lot of flavor.
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are preparing a meal together in the kitchen.
- MateoLucía, ¿tienes un pimentoncito para el plato?Lucía, do you have a little pepper for the dish?
- LucíaSí, Mateo, hay algunos en el refrigerador.Yes, Mateo, there are some in the refrigerator.
- MateoGracias, voy a picarlo ahora mismo.Thanks, I am going to chop it right now.
- LucíaTen cuidado, que puede picar un poco.Be careful, it might be a bit spicy.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
