-ito's versus -illo's

Question

In Kwiziq, there's a lesson on -ito etc and a lesson on -illo etc. I'm living in Ecuador and have traveled around Central and South America a bit, and I've heard both groups of suffixes used in what seems to be the exact same way. I guess I'm looking for a little clarity on whether they are 100% interchangeable.

Am I correct that team -ito and team -illo mean the same thing - they make a word diminutive, softer, affectionate - and that the real difference is just in local usage? I can use either group of suffixes, and not be wrong, but one group is just more common in certain areas than the other?

My apologies if you've answered this elsewhere. I reviewed the other questions, and I did not find an answer that makes me confident that my understanding is correct.

And thanks, in advance for your help.

Answer

Hola JohnYes, your assumption is correct. Both -ito and -illo and their different forms are suffixes used with the same intention, to make something smaller or give that word a more affectionate meaning. Within Spain you find that some areas use one more over the other and the same happens in Latin America. The good thing is that whichever you use they will understand you because they are very generic suffixes and widely known everywhere. Saludos