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ratito

little while

noun rah-TEE-toh Rare

Also means

short moment

Usage Note

Ratito is an affectionate diminutive of rato (a while, a short period). It softens requests or statements: espera un ratito sounds much less abrupt than espera un momento. In Spain and Latin America it appears in friendly, informal speech and signals warmth or patience. The non-diminutive rato is also common; ratito adds intimacy.

Examples

"Espera un ratito, ya termino."

Natural Translation

Wait a little while, I'm nearly done.

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