Today we are going to learn about augmentative suffixes in Spanish. Our Spanish school, El Rincón del Tándem provides you with a short explanation and some examples to help you master these small grammar elements. ?
In our previous posts, we have already talked about prefixes and suffixes. So, today we focus on augmentative suffixes in Spanish. Small grammar parts that will come in handy very often…
First of all, we remind that both suffixes and prefixes are affixes. In grammar, affixes are word elements that cannot be used alone. Therefore, they only exit as a part of a word and are placed at the beginning (prefixes) or at the end (suffixes) of the base words.
Their function is modifying the meaning of the base word. For instance, diminutive suffixes are used with sverela intentions, like referring to a small version of something, reducing importance or expressing affection.
After learning the usage and meanings of diminutives, today we focus on augmentative suffixes in Spanish.
Firstly, augmentative suffixes are mainly used to indicate large size of an object or a person. They can be applied to nouns, adjective and verbs.
Secondly, they are applied to nouns or adjectives in order to increase the intensity of a quality or characteristic of the base word.
Thirdly, in Spanish, suffixes are used to add positive or negative connotation to the meaning of the base word. Sometimes, they express sarcasm, appreciation, etc.
So, let’s learn the most commonly used augmentative suffixes in Spanish:
-ÓN/ONA/ONES/ONAS
Theses suffixes indicate that something is in large size. Also, they add intensity or convey positive or negative connotation to the meaning of something or someone.
Let’ see the examples below:
Casa (house) – casona (big house)
Fuerte (strong) – fortachón (very strong)
Película (movie) – peliculón (great, fantastic movie)
Inocente (naive) – inocentón (gullible, a person that can be easily fooled)
Hinchar (to swell) – hinchazón (big swelling)
Mandar (to give orders) – mandón (a bossy person)
-OTE/OTA/OTES/OTAS
In many cases, besides indicating large size of something, these augmentative suffixes also give negative connotations to base words. For instance, they can indicate ugliness or clumsiness.
Nariz (nose) – narizota (big ugly nose)
Feo (ugly) – feote (plug ugly)
Gafas (glasses) – gafotas (big ugly glasses)
-AZO/AZA/AZOS/AZAS
These suffixes are also applied to base words to indicate a blow or strike with an object or a part of the body. All the derivative words are masculine, even though the base words are feminine.
Bueno (good) – buenazo (very good).
With “buenazo/a” Spaniards also refer to a very kind, good-natured person.
Coche (car) – cochazo (impressive, big car)
Look out!
-AZO/AZA/AZOS/AZAS are also applied to base words to indicate a blow or strike with an object or a part of the body. All the derivative words are masculine, even though the base words are feminine.
Puerta (door) – portazo (a door slam)
Martillo (hammer) – martillazo (hammer blow)
Cabeza (head) – cabezazo (hitting the head/headbutt)
Puño (fist) – puñetazo (punch with a fist)
Codo (elbow) – codazo (hit with the elbow)
Finally, some Spanish words derives from adding augmentative suffixes to words. In this case, the derivative words acquire their own meaning, different from the one of the base words.
Silla (chair) – sillón (armchair)
Caja (box) – cajón (drawer)
Camisa (shirt) – camisón (nightgown/nightshirt)
Cuerda (rope) – cordón (shoelace)
Cintura (waist) – cinturón (belt)
We hope that our short explanation helps you properly use augmentative suffixes in Spanish.
As usual, we invite you to improve your Spanish, by learning new Spanish words and master Spanish grammar.
Finally, we remind you that El Rincón del Tándem is happy to provide a cosy and friendly space where you can learn Spanish by having fun.
¡Hasta pronto!
