There are two groups of suffixes that deserve special attention — they are the suffixes that form diminutives and augmentatives. These are suffixes that can be added to a whole range of words and the resulting words don't require a dictionary definition — the suffixes don't change the word's meaning, they simply signal additional information like size or the speaker's emotional attitude.

Diminutive — Small

“Diminutive” means “small”; diminutive suffixes indicate small size, cuteness, or the attitude of endearment. The word caja means “box”; cajita is a little box, perhaps one of those ring boxes. Perro is a dog; perrito is “doggy.” As you can see, using a diminutive suffix can allow you to be more descriptive without resorting to adjectives.

The most versatile diminutive suffix in Spanish is -ito and its conjugated forms, -ita, -itos, and -itas: conejito (little bunny), abuelita (granny), chiquitos (little/cute boys), abejitas (litte/cute bees). Here are a few other diminutive suffixes commonly used in Spanish:

You can take almost any noun and give it a diminutive suffix. Even adjectives and, to a lesser extension, adverbs can take on diminutive endings: viejito (old), rapidito (quickly). However, be aware that diminutives are often considered “slangy” and should not be overused in writing or in formal speech.