chica bajita
/t͡ʃika baxita/from spelling rules
The English phrase "short girl" is translated into Spanish as chica bajita.
The phrase is used to describe a female who is small in height.
What does it mean word for word?
The term chica bajita consists of chica (girl) and bajita. The word bajita is the diminutive form of baja (short), which makes the description sound more affectionate or less blunt than saying chica baja.
Which one should you use?
While chica bajita is often used affectionately, chica baja is a more neutral, purely descriptive way to state someone's height. Additionally, if you are referring specifically to a child rather than a young woman, niña bajita is a more precise term.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because chica is a feminine noun, the adjective must also be feminine, ending in a.
Did you know?
- The root of bajita comes from the verb bajar, which means 'to go down' or 'to descend', creating a linguistic connection between being 'low' in height and moving downwards.
- Calling a woman bajita can shift the meaning from a literal height measurement to an aesthetic compliment meaning 'petite' or 'cute'.
- Depending on the tone, the diminutive in bajita can be used ironically to undermine a person's authority by implying they are 'little'.
Examples in context
- La chica baja que trabaja en el departamento de contabilidad es muy inteligenteThe short girl who works in the accounting department is very intelligent
- Mi hermana es chiquita pero muy valienteMy sister is short but very brave
- Sofía es bajita pero tiene un gran corazónSofia is short but has a big heart
- Ella es una chica bajita.She is a short girl.
- Mi hermana es una chica bajita.My sister is a short girl.
- Esa chica bajita es mi prima.That short girl is my cousin.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are describing a mutual friend.
- Daniel¿Quién es tu prima?Who is your cousin?
- ElenaEs esa chica bajita que está allí.She is that short girl over there.
- DanielAh, ya la veo.Ah, I see her now.
- ElenaSí, Elena es muy simpática.Yes, Elena is very friendly.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
