Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Tiny in Spanish
Diminuto · adjective · dee-mee-NOO-toh
The Spanish word for tiny is 'diminuto,' emphasizing extreme smallness. The affectionate form 'pequeñito' (a diminutive of 'pequeño') and the more formal 'minúsculo' are also popular alternatives.
Pronounce 'diminuto' as dee-mee-NOO-toh, with the stress on the third syllable.
Encontramos una rana diminuta en el jardín.
We found a tiny frog in the garden.
tiny in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for tiny, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| diminuto | tiny | dee-mee-NOO-toh | Default, widely understood |
| pequeñito | tiny | affectionate diminutive | |
| minúsculo | tiny | extremely small |
How Native Speakers Use Diminuto
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Describing something small
La bebé tiene unos dedos diminutos.
The baby has tiny fingers.
Admiring a newborn.
Small living space
Su apartamento es diminuto pero acogedor.
Her apartment is tiny but cozy.
Describing a compact home.
Affectionate form
Mira ese gatito pequeñito.
Look at that tiny kitten.
Expressing fondness for something small.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Diminuto
Using 'tiny' or 'tini' in Spanish
Incorrect: Es un perro tini.
Correct: Es un perro diminuto.
There is no Spanish word 'tini' — the correct term is 'diminuto' or 'pequeñito.'
Confusing 'diminuto' with 'diminutivo'
Incorrect: Es una casa diminutiva.
Correct: Es una casa diminuta.
'Diminutivo' is a grammatical term referring to diminutive suffixes, while 'diminuta' is the adjective meaning tiny.
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See Diminuto used by native speakers
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Common Questions About tiny in Spanish
- What is the difference between 'pequeño' and 'diminuto'?
- While 'pequeño' simply means small, 'diminuto' intensifies it to mean extremely small or tiny — think of the difference between 'small' and 'tiny' in English.
- Can I use '-ito/-ita' to make things sound tiny?
- Adding the diminutive suffix '-ito' or '-ita' to adjectives or nouns is a natural way to convey smallness or endearment in Spanish, as in 'chiquito' (teeny) or 'casita' (little house).
- Is 'minúsculo' the same as 'diminuto'?
- Both mean very small, but 'minúsculo' can also refer to lowercase letters and tends to emphasize insignificant size, while 'diminuto' focuses purely on physical smallness.