Diminutivos en el súper: suena más amable
Dannis
In Spain we use diminutives (-ito/-ita, -illo/-illa) to sound friendlier: bolsita, panecillos, un momentito, un cafetillo. It’s a bit like in English saying “a little bag,” “just a sec.”
In supermarkets you have to pay for bags. Ask like this: “¿Me das una bolsita, por favor?” Natural and polite in Spain.
Useful phrases:
• Una bolsa → Una bolsita, porfa.
• Pan pequeño → Panecillos.
• Espera → Un momentito, gracias.
In the queue/line: “¿Quién es el último?”
In shops and bars you’ll hear: “¿Qué te pongo?” (literally “What shall I serve you?”). Answer with a diminutive: “Ponme un cafetillo/una cervecita,” which sounds warm and very typical.
To pay: “¿Me cobras, cuando puedas?” And if you’re waiting: “Un momentito, gracias.” These are colloquial but correct, everyday formulas in Spain.
Diminutives don’t change the product, they change the tone. They sound kind/affectionate: besito, cenita… Use them naturally (without overdoing it).