pequeño
/peˈkeɲo/
The English phrase "you little" can be translated into Spanish as pequeño, meaning someone who is small in size or young.
In Spanish, the adjective pequeño/a can function as a noun to mean 'little one' when used affectionately.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective changes its ending to 'a' if the person being addressed is female. The adjective becomes pequeños when referring to a group of males or a mixed-gender group. The adjective becomes pequeñas when referring to a group of females.
How do you pronounce it?
/peˈkeɲo/
Did you know?
- The word pequeño shares a common ancestor with the Welsh word bach, suggesting a very ancient connection between these Romance and Celtic languages.
- Spanish has a specific word for the 'smallest' child in a family, el benjamín, which conveys a similar affectionate role to calling someone pequeño.
- In some contexts, pequeño can be used ironically to describe someone who is actually very large or imposing, similar to the English 'tiny' used sarcastically.
Examples in context
- Eres chiquito/a pero valienteYou are little but brave
- Tú, pequeño, ven aquí.You, little one, come here.
Example conversation
Javier is talking to Sofía's toddler son.
- JavierHola, pequeño. ¿Cómo estás?Hello, little one. How are you?
- SofíaEstá muy feliz hoy.He is very happy today.
- JavierEres muy pequeño y fuerte.You are so little and strong.
- SofíaSí, crece muy rápido.Yes, he is growing very fast.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pequeño, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pequeño, CC BY-SA 4.0.
