arañita
/aɾaɲita/from spelling rules
The English phrase "little spider" is translated into Spanish as arañita.
arañita is used to refer to a small spider. Beyond denoting physical size, the diminutive form is used to convey affection or to soften the tone, especially when speaking to children.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed by adding the diminutive suffix -ita to the noun araña (spider).
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural "little spiders", the diminutive form follows standard Spanish pluralization rules by adding -s, resulting in arañitas.
How do you pronounce it?
/aɾaɲita/
Did you know?
- While arañita is the diminutive, the word araña is also used in Spanish to describe a type of ceiling light fixture known as a chandelier.
- In certain regions, the term arañita can be used colloquially to describe someone who is very thin or someone who moves quickly and nervously.
- The word araña is closely related to the English word 'arachnid', as both trace back to the same ancient roots describing many-legged creatures.
Examples in context
- ¡Cuidado con esa arañita, podría ser venenosa!Watch out for that little spider, it could be venomous!
- Mira esa arañita en la pared, ¿no es linda?Look at that little spider on the wall, isn't it cute?
- Mira esa arañita en la pared.Look at that little spider on the wall.
- ¡No te asustes, es solo una arañita!Don't be scared, it's just a little spider!
- Dibujé una arañita en tu cuaderno.I drew a little spider in your notebook.
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are looking at a small insect in the garden.
- Daniel¡Mira, Lucía, una arañita!Look, Lucía, a little spider!
- LucíaEs muy pequeña y linda.It is very small and cute.
- DanielLa arañita está tejiendo su red.The little spider is weaving its web.
- LucíaVamos a dejarla tranquila.Let's leave it alone.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries arañita, CC BY-SA 4.0.
