chico
Mexico, everyday
In Mexico the everyday word for "small" is chico, or chica for feminine nouns. The more standard words are pequeño and pequeña, and chiquito is the friendly diminutive.
Meaning: little in size (adjective)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| chico | Mexico, everyday |
| pequeño | neutral |
| chiquito | Mexico, affectionate |
Shops in Mexico use chico, mediano y grande for small, medium and large. You hear un cuarto chico for a small room.
Which one should you use?
Pequeño sounds more careful and appears in writing. Chiquito can mean very small or cute and is also used for children.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Chico in Mexico is used for size more than the word pequeño, while in Spain chico mainly means a boy or guy.
Did you know?
- In Mexico Mundo chico is said when you meet someone unexpected, meaning it is a small world.
Examples in context
- Quiero un café chico.I want a small coffee.
- Es un pueblo pequeño.It is a small town.
- Mi hijo está chiquito todavía.My son is still little.
Example conversation
Customer Ivonne orders at a coffee shop and the barista Chema takes her order in Mexico City.
- ChemaBuenos días, ¿qué tamaño de café?Good morning, what size of coffee?
- IvonneUno chico, por favor.A small one, please.
- ChemaEnseguida. ¿Algo más?Right away. Anything else?
