bolitas
/bolitas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "tiny balls" is translated into Spanish as bolitas.
bolitas is used to describe small, round objects. You can also use the phrase bolas pequeñitas if you wish to place extra emphasis on how small the balls are.
What does it mean word for word?
The word bolitas is a diminutive of bolas (balls). It is formed by adding the suffix -itas to the base word to indicate smallness, literally meaning "little balls".
Which one should you use?
esferitas diminutas is a formal way to describe tiny balls, while pelotitas chiquitas is a colloquial, informal expression.
How does it change in a sentence?
bolitas is a feminine noun. If you use an adjective with it, the adjective must also be feminine, such as in the phrase bolitas rojas. The singular form of the word is bolita.
How do you pronounce it?
/bolitas/
Did you know?
- In certain slang contexts in Mexico, referring to something as 'bolitas' can be a coded way to talk about small amounts of illicit substances.
- In certain Spanish-speaking regions, a bolita is a slang term for a small, improvised lottery or a game of chance based on drawing numbers.
- While bolitas describes the object, the act of playing with them is called jugar a las canicas in most regions.
Examples in context
- Las bolitas pequeñas encajan perfectamente en la botella.The tiny balls fit perfectly in the bottle.
- ¿Has visto las pelotitas chiquitas en el jardín?Have you seen the tiny balls in the garden?
- Las bolitas son de color azul.The tiny balls are blue.
- Hay muchas bolitas en la caja.There are many tiny balls in the box.
- Ella encontró bolitas de cristal en el jardín.She found tiny glass balls in the garden.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are doing a craft project.
- AlejandroLucía, ¿dónde están las bolitas?Lucía, where are the tiny balls?
- LucíaEstán en esa caja azul, Alejandro.They are in that blue box, Alejandro.
- AlejandroGracias, necesito las bolitas rojas.Thanks, I need the red tiny balls.
- LucíaAquí tienes las que buscas.Here are the ones you are looking for.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
