persona pequeña
/peɾsona pekeɲa/from spelling rules
The English phrase "little person" can be translated into Spanish as persona pequeña.
This phrase is a euphemistic term used to describe a person with dwarfism.
Meaning: euphemistic term for a person with dwarfism (noun)
Which one should you use?
persona de baja estatura is a more formal alternative. In affectionate contexts, the diminutive personita may be used to convey endearment.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regions of Latin America, the phrase personita de baja estatura is used.
How do you pronounce it?
/peɾsona pekeɲa/
Did you know?
- The term persona and the English 'person' both trace back to the Latin persōna, which actually meant a theatrical mask. The word evolved from the 'mask' an actor wore to the 'character' they played, and finally to the human being itself.
- While persona pequeña is a polite term, the word enano can be a harsh slur depending on the tone and region. In some Spanish-speaking cultures, using enano in a non-medical context is considered highly offensive.
- While persona pequeña is a direct translation, in many Spanish-speaking cultures, using the diminutive personita to describe someone with dwarfism can be seen as patronizing or infantilizing rather than affectionate.
Examples in context
- ¡Hola personita! ¿Cómo estás hoy?Hello, little person! How are you today?
- ¡Oye, enanito! ¿Jugamos un rato?Hey, little dwarf! Shall we play for a while?
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are discussing a new colleague.
- JavierHola Lucía, ¿conoces al nuevo empleado?Hi Lucía, do you know the new employee?
- LucíaSí, Javier. Él es una persona pequeña.Yes, Javier. He is a little person.
- JavierParece muy amable y profesional.He seems very kind and professional.
- LucíaTienes razón, es muy simpático.You are right, he is very nice.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries persona, CC BY-SA 4.0.
