diminuto
/dimiˈnuto/
The English word "tiny" can be translated into Spanish using several forms such as diminuto, minúsculo or pequeñito.
Meaning: very small (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| diminuto | /dimiˈnuto/ |
| minúsculo | /miˈnuskulo/ |
| pequeñito | /pekeˈɲito/ |
All these words are used to describe something that is very small in size.
Which one should you use?
While diminuto and minúsculo are standard adjectives for "tiny", pequeñito is the diminutive form of pequeño (small) and is often used to add an affectionate or more subjective tone. Furthermore, minúsculo often carries a stronger connotation of being extremely small or microscopic compared to the more general diminuto.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective diminuto must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. It changes to diminuta for feminine singular nouns and to diminutos for masculine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/dimiˈnuto/
Did you know?
- The word minúsculo is used in Spanish to describe a specific type of handwriting, known as minúscula, which refers to lowercase letters.
- In Spanish, the word pequeño can be used to describe a child's age rather than their height. Calling someone el más pequeñito often means they are the youngest in the family.
- Spanish speakers often use the diminutive -ito to describe things that are not actually tiny. For example, un cafecito might refer to a normal-sized cup of coffee to express warmth or friendliness.
Examples in context
- Tenemos un jardín minúsculo.We have just a tiny bit of garden.This sentence shows how to use minúsculo to describe a small area of garden.Tatoeba #4556591 by swyter, translation #65521 by CM
- ¿Puedes hacerme un favor pequeñito?Can you do me a tiny favor?This sentence illustrates the use of pequeñito when asking for a small favor.Tatoeba #7872809 by arh, translation #3568475 by CK
- Pareces diminuto al lado de un luchador de sumo.You look tiny next to a sumo wrestler.This sentence demonstrates how diminuto is used to describe a person's size relative to someone else.Tatoeba #10184532 by manufrutos, translation #15930 by Zifre
- En el museo, vi una joya diminuta en un frasco de cristal.At the museum, I saw a tiny jewel in a glass jar.
- La araña tejía su tela en una esquina del minúsculo ático.The spider was weaving its web in a corner of the tiny attic.
- Los personajes de la obra teatral estaban vestidos con trajes minúsculos.The characters in the play were dressed in minuscule costumes.
- ¿Has visto a mi perro? Es chiquito y de color blanco.Have you seen my dog? He's small and white.
- Voy a preparar una porción chiquita de pastel para el postre.I'm going to make a small portion of cake for dessert.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are looking at a tiny insect on a leaf.
- LucíaMira este insecto tan diminuto.Look at this tiny insect.
- JavierEs diminuto, casi no se ve.It is tiny, you can barely see it.
- LucíaJavier, ¿puedes verlo bien?Javier, can you see it well?
- JavierSí, es realmente diminuto.Yes, it is truly tiny.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tiny” translations and entries diminuto, minúsculo, pequeñito, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
