inho

Inho is a productive diminutive suffix in Portuguese used to form nouns and adjectives that convey small size, familiarity, or affection. It has masculine and feminine forms, typically -inho and -inha, which attach to the base word to yield new words such as casinha (little house), cachorrinho (little dog), livrinho (small book), and amiguinho (little friend).

There are related diminutive variants, notably -zinho and -zinha, which function similarly and can emphasize a stronger sense of smallness or affection. For example, amiguinho (masculine) and amiguinha (feminine) are common, as ismenininha for “little girl.” The choice between -inho/-inha and -zinho/-zinha often depends on regional preference and the speaker’s intention, with -zinho/-zinha frequently conveying a coarser or more playful nuance in casual speech.

Usage and nuances: The -inho/-inha suffix is widespread in everyday Brazilian Portuguese and is also used in European Portuguese, though regional differences affect frequency and style. It is common in casual conversation, children's language, and affectionate or informal communication. In formal writing or speech, speakers may avoid excessive diminutives, as they can obscure tone or formality.

Notes: The diminutive suffix is productive across a wide range of word classes, including nouns, adjectives, and colloquial terms of endearment. While highly productive, not every word naturally takes -inho/-inha, and some stems undergo phonological adjustments to accommodate the suffix.

Overall, inho and its variants are a central feature of Portuguese morphology, shaping meanings and social tone through small, affectionate linguistic particles.