Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| minuscolo | /miˈnus.ko.lo/ |
| piccolo | /ˈpik.ko.lo/ |
| piccino | /pitˈt͡ʃi.no/ |
| minuto | /miˈnu.to/ |
All these words describe something that is very small, but they are used in different contexts. Piccolo is the standard way to say small, while minuscolo is used to emphasize that something is extremely small or tiny. Minuto is typically reserved for technical or formal contexts, such as describing very fine particles or minute details.
Which one should you use?
Piccolo is the general term for small, whereas minuscolo acts as an emphatic form meaning 'tiny'. Piccino is used in an affectionate or endearing way, especially when speaking about children or small animals. Minuto is used for technical precision regarding fine details.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adjectives in Italian must agree with the noun they describe. For example, the masculine minuscolo becomes the feminine minuscola to describe a feminine noun. For masculine plural nouns, the form minuto changes to minuti.
How do you pronounce it?
The four-syllable word minuscolo is pronounced /miˈnus.ko.lo/, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- While minuscolo means 'tiny' for objects, it is also the specific term used to describe 'lowercase' letters in writing.
- The origins of the word piccolo are a mystery to linguists, with some suggesting it might even be an onomatopoeic word mimicking a sound.
- While piccolo is the most common way to say 'small', it is also the word used to describe someone who is physically short in stature.
Examples in context
- Tom ha il cazzo piccolo.Tom has a tiny dick.This sentence uses piccolo to describe a body part.Tatoeba #2552868 by Guybrush88, translation #1398699 by Spamster
- Il mio ufficio è minuscolo.My office is tiny.This sentence uses minuscolo to describe the size of an office.Tatoeba #4726732 by Guybrush88, translation #4500055 by CK
- Il mio appartamento è minuscolo.My apartment is tiny.This sentence uses minuscolo to describe the size of an apartment.Tatoeba #11301476 by Guybrush88, translation #7538441 by CK
- Il regalo era piccolissimoThe gift was tiny
- Il monolocale era ridottissimoThe studio apartment was tiny
- Vieni a vedere il piccolino!Come see the tiny little one!
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Francesco are looking at a small puppy.
- MartinaGuarda che cucciolo, è minuscolo!Look at that puppy, it's tiny!
- FrancescoSì, è davvero adorabile.Yes, it's really adorable.
- MartinaHa un nasino minuscolo.He has a tiny little nose.
- FrancescoNon vedo l'ora di prenderlo.I can't wait to get him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tiny” translations and entries minuscolo, piccolo, piccino, minuto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries minuto, piccino, piccolo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
