Sufijo
From Latin sufixus, from suffigere: sub (under, behind) + fixus (fixed)
A sufijo (suffix) is a letter or group of letters placed after a word or its raíz (root) to add meaning. Suffixes are used to form new words.
Examples
| Word | Formation | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Pastelito ("little cake") | Pastel + -ito | -ito indicates small size, so the new word means "small cake". |
| Zapatero ("shoemaker") | Zapato + -ero | -ero indicates an occupation, so the new word means "person who makes or repairs shoes". |
More examples of suffixes:
Examples
| Suffix | Meaning | Similar English suffix | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| -dad | quality, state, condition | -ness, -ity, sometimes -ship | oscuridad ("darkness"), realidad ("reality"), amistad ("friendship") |
| -mente | manner, way | -ly | lentamente ("slowly") |
| -voro | feeding on | -vore | insectívoro ("insectivore — feeds on insects") |