Augmentatives are suffixes added to nouns (and sometimes adjectives).
- They convey the idea of making something bigger or more intense.
- They can also add emotional layers like admiration, emphasis, or harshness.
- The base meaning of the word remains, but with a twist of exaggeration or increased magnitude.
Key Augmentatives
| Spanish Word | Spanish Augmentative |
|---|
| casa | casona |
| English Word | English Translation |
|---|
house | very big house |
| Augmentative |
|---|
| -ón / -ona |
(1 of 7)
Examples
| Spanish Example |
|---|
| Están restaurando una casona antigua en el centro. |
| English Example |
|---|
They’re restoring an old mansion downtown. |
| Augmentative |
|---|
| casona |
(1 of 7)
Formation
- Augmentatives follow the gender rules of the original noun.
- Example: casa → casona (feminine), perro → perrote (masculine).
- Plurals are formed normally: casonas, perrotes.
Nuances
- Not all augmentatives simply mean "bigger."
- Context and tone are crucial for correct interpretation.
| Spanish Example |
|---|
| Ese cafecito en la esquina siempre está lleno. |
| English Example |
|---|
That little café on the corner is always packed. |
| Usage |
|---|
| Size / Impact |
(1 of 7)
Summary
- Spanish augmentatives modify the meaning of nouns by adding the idea of increased size or intensity.
- They are formed by adding suffixes like -ón, -ote, -azo, -udo, among others.
- Augmentatives can also carry emotional or expressive nuances beyond literal size.
- Always consider the cultural and contextual background when using augmentatives.
