amiguito
/ah-mee-GEE-toh/
little friend
Depicting a child's companion, the image shows a happy little friend.
amiguito(noun)
little friend
?child's companion
,buddy
?affectionate term for a male friend
pal
?informal
📝 In Action
Mi hijo invitó a su amiguito de la escuela a la fiesta.
A1My son invited his little friend from school to the party.
¡Hola, amiguito! ¿Quieres un helado?
A1Hello, little buddy! Do you want an ice cream?
Ese perrito es mi amiguito fiel; siempre me sigue.
A2That little dog is my faithful little friend; it always follows me.
💡 Grammar Points
The Diminutive -ito
The ending -ito doesn't always mean 'small.' When added to amigo, it primarily shows affection, warmth, or tenderness, making it a term of endearment.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Wrong Gender
Mistake: "Mi amiguito se llama Ana."
Correction: If the friend is female, you must use the feminine diminutive: *Mi amiguita se llama Ana*.
⭐ Usage Tips
Tone Check
Using amiguito is very common when talking to or about young children, but adults can also use it to express exaggerated affection or sometimes condescension, depending on the context.
When used to mean crony, amiguito suggests an associate involved in a dubious or secretive connection.
amiguito(noun)
crony
?associate, often implying a dubious connection
,lover
?informal, often implying a secret or illicit relationship
sidekick
?someone who follows and supports another blindly
📝 In Action
El director solo contrata a sus amiguitos, sin importar la experiencia.
B2The director only hires his cronies, regardless of experience.
¿Quién es ese amiguito que te trae flores todos los días?
B2Who is that 'friend' (implied lover) who brings you flowers every day?
💡 Grammar Points
Sarcasm and Tone
When used in contexts involving politics, business, or romantic secrets, the diminutive suffix amiguito can be sarcastic, suggesting the relationship is perhaps too close or not entirely honest.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
If you hear this word used by someone with a raised eyebrow or a cynical tone, they are likely implying a suspicious associate or a secret affair, not just a simple friend.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: amiguito
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'amiguito' with the affectionate/child context?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'amiguito' always about small size?
Not usually. While the *-ito* ending often means 'small,' when applied to people, it mostly conveys affection, tenderness, or sometimes, irony or condescension. You can call your tall, adult friend your *amiguito* if you feel warm toward them.
What is the feminine form of 'amiguito'?
The feminine form is *amiguita*. Remember that the diminutive suffix must match the gender of the person you are describing.