-ito / -ita (it has two equivalents: -ico and -illo)
-cito / -cita
When we put these suffixes at the end of a word, the word gets modified. There is no rule about when to use -ito or when to use -cito, sometimes one just works better than the other. We can use them with nouns, adjectives or adverbs.
When the word is a noun, the suffix has diminutive value:
Casa - house
Casita - little house
When the word is an adjective or an adverb, the meaning is "softer":
Gordo - fat (sounds stronger)
Gordito - “fatty” (sounds softer)
Baja - short
Bajita - “a little short” (sounds softer)
-ísimo / -ísima
It has an augmentative value. We only use this suffix with adjectives or adverbs.
Marta es guapa. (Marta is pretty.)
Marta es guapísima. (Marta is [really] pretty.)
Yo como mucho. (I eat a lot.)
Yo como muchísimo. (I [really] eat a lot.)
NOTE: We cannot use all suffixes with all words. Sometimes we can, sometimes we can't. There is no specific rule.
For example, poquito is common but "muchito" is not common.
It is very common to use diminutive suffixes with proper names for children or adults with whom there is a close relationship.
Laura - Laurita
Carlos - Carlitos
Pedro - Pedrito
Señor Pérez: Hola Señora García. ¿Quiere usted un cafecito?
Señora García: Hola Señor Pérez. Sí, por favor. Su casita es hermosísima. Esa mesita es muy bonita.
SP: Gracias, la compré hace una semana. Señora García, ¿fue usted al restaurante nuevo de Pedrito?
SG: Sí, estuve allí el martes y me gustó muchísimo. La carnita era deliciosa. También comí el pescado con patatitas y cebollitas. Todo estaba delicioso.
