tablettina

Tablettina is an Italian noun, feminine, that functions as a diminutive form of tabletta (tablet). It is used primarily to denote a small tablet or pill, often in informal or everyday language. The suffix -ina conveys a sense of small size or endearment, so una tablettina can be translated as “a small tablet” or “a little pill.”

Common usage and nuance. In medical or pharmaceutical contexts, tablettina is considered colloquial. More formal terms for a tablet include compressa or pastiglia, while tablettina serves as a convenient, everyday way to refer to a small dose. Examples of usage include phrases like “Mi serve una tablettina di paracetamolo” or “Prendi una tablettina dopo i pasti.” The term emphasizes size and simplicity rather than technical accuracy.

Variants and related terms. The masculine equivalent is tablettino, with plural forms tablettini and tablettine for feminine usage. Related general terms include compressa (tablet/pill) and pastiglia (tablet/pill, often faded into everyday speech). Regionally, tablettina may appear in informal speech without implying medical care, similar to how “pill” is used in English.

Uses as a brand or label. Outside standard language, tablettina can be adopted as a product name or branding for small, bite-sized items or devices that evoke a compact form factor. In such uses, capitalization and context determine whether it is a common noun or a proper noun.

See also: tabletta, compressa, pastiglia.