desde pequeño
Lemma Details
Translation: since childhood; from an early age; from a young age
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines 'desde' (from Latin 'de ex de' meaning 'from out of') and 'pequeño' (from Latin 'pitinnus' meaning 'small'). The combination creates a temporal expression indicating something that began in childhood and has continued.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'desde' as 'since' and 'pequeño' as 'small/little' - literally 'since small'
- Picture a timeline starting with a small child and extending to the present
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in Spanish-speaking cultures when describing talents, habits, or characteristics that have been present since childhood. It often carries a sense of pride or identity formation.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'desde pequeño' emphasizes continuity from childhood to the present, 'de pequeño' often refers to a state or action that occurred during childhood but may not necessarily continue to the present.
This word:
He jugado al fútbol desde pequeño.
I have played soccer since childhood (and continue to do so).
Notes: Both phrases refer to childhood, but 'desde pequeño' emphasizes the continuation of something from childhood to the present, while 'de pequeño' often describes a characteristic or action limited to the childhood period.
Mnemonic: 'Desde' implies 'since' (continuity), while 'de' is more like 'when' or 'as' (a point or period in time).