orejas pequeñas
/oɾexas pekeɲas/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'small ears' is translated into Spanish as orejas pequeñas.
This phrase is used to describe ears that are not large in size. Note that you should use the word orejas when referring to the external ear structure. The word oídos is used instead when referring to the internal ear or the sense of hearing.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the feminine plural noun orejas (ears) and the feminine plural adjective pequeñas (small).
Which one should you use?
While orejas pequeñas is the standard way to describe the size of the external ears, you can use different forms depending on the context: orejas chiquitas is an affectionate, informal term and orejas pequeñitas is an informal term used playfully to mean 'tiny ears'. In a formal medical or scientific context, if you want to imply that ears are not fully developed, you would use orejas poco desarrolladas.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective pequeñas must agree in both gender and number with the feminine plural noun orejas.
How do you pronounce it?
/oɾexas pekeɲas/
Did you know?
- The word oreja shares a linguistic root with the word orejón, which in some Latin American countries describes someone who is stubborn or headstrong, regardless of their actual ear size.
- The diminutive orejitas is frequently used not just for small ears, but as a term of endearment when talking to babies or pets, even if their ears are objectively large.
- In some Latin American countries, the diminutive chiquitas can imply a sense of cuteness or preciousness that the standard pequeñas lacks.
Examples in context
- Mi sobrina tiene orejas pequeñas y bonitas.My niece has small and beautiful ears.
- Mi perrito tiene orejas chiquitas y peludas.My puppy has small and furry ears.
- Mira a ese bebé con sus orejas pequeñitas. ¡Es tan lindo!Look at that baby with their tiny ears. They are so cute!
- Tiene orejas pequeñas.He has small ears.
- El bebé tiene orejas pequeñas.The baby has small ears.
- Me gustan las orejas pequeñas.I like small ears.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are looking at a photo of a newborn.
- Alejandro¿Viste la foto del bebé?Did you see the photo of the baby?
- MaríaSí, tiene orejas pequeñas y lindas.Yes, he has small and cute ears.
- AlejandroEs muy tierno.He is very cute.
- MaríaSí, es un bebé hermoso.Yes, he is a beautiful baby.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
