Diminutive noun.
/kabaˈi̯ʝito/
The word "caballito" is the diminutive form of "caballo," which means "horse" in Spanish. In a general sense, it refers to a small horse or pony. In Peru, "caballito" can also refer to a traditional child’s toy resembling a horse, typically made of wood or metal, that children ride. The usage of "caballito" can vary from being a term of endearment for a small horse to representing a specific item in traditional games or culture.
"Caballito" is commonly used in both oral and written Spanish, though it might be more frequent in oral contexts when used affectionately or casually.
The boy plays with his little wooden horse in the park.
Tengo un caballito que es más pequeño que los demás.
I have a pony that is smaller than the others.
El caballito que compré es muy amigable.
While "caballito" might not appear in many idiomatic expressions on its own, its core concept of "horse" can form part of various Spanish phrases. Below are some examples featuring similar concepts.
I've always dreamed of riding a horse on the beach.
Estar como un caballo (To be very strong or healthy):
Since he started exercising, he is like a horse.
El caballo de batalla (The workhorse or main asset):
The term "caballito" originates from the Latin "caballus," which means "horse." The diminutive suffix "-ito" is a common way to form diminutive nouns in Spanish, giving the word a sense of affection or smaller size.
In summary, "caballito" is a playful and affectionate term for a small horse or pony, frequently used in both casual conversation and cultural contexts in Peru.