niñita
nee-NYEE-tah
📝 In Action
La niñita estaba jugando con su oso de peluche.
A2The little girl was playing with her teddy bear.
¡Qué niñita tan inteligente! Respondió todas las preguntas.
B1What a smart little girl! She answered all the questions.
Mi abuela siempre me llama niñita, aunque ya tengo veinte años.
B2My grandmother always calls me 'niñita' (sweetie), even though I'm already twenty years old.
💡 Grammar Points
The Diminutive Suffix -ita
This word is formed by taking 'niña' (girl) and adding '-ita'. This ending is called a diminutive suffix, and it makes the word mean 'small' or adds a feeling of affection and tenderness.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Size and Affection
Mistake: "Using 'niñita' only for children of small physical stature."
Correction: While it means 'little girl,' it is often used as a term of endearment regardless of the child's actual size. The affectionate tone is usually more important than the literal size.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use for Endearment
Use 'niñita' when speaking to a child you care about, similar to calling them 'sweetie' or 'honey' in English. It's a very warm and gentle way to address them.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: niñita
Question 1 of 1
What is the main difference between 'niña' and 'niñita'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can 'niñita' be used for an adult?
Yes, but only in a highly familiar and affectionate context, usually by an older relative (like a grandparent) towards a granddaughter, to express enduring affection, regardless of the person's age.