Learning how to say “adolescent” in Italian can come in handy when you’re trying to communicate with Italian speakers about young people or discussing specific developmental stages. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways of expressing this term, while focusing on standard Italian. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say Adolescent in Italian
When you’re in a more formal context or aiming to express the term “adolescent” more precisely, you can use the following phrases:
1. Adolescente
“Adolescente” is the most common and widely accepted word for “adolescent” in Italian. It covers both males and females and is used across different regions of Italy. Here’s an example of how to use it in a sentence:
Mia figlia è un’adolescente. (My daughter is an adolescent.)
2. Giovane
Another formal way to refer to an adolescent is by using the term “giovane,” which translates to “young.” Although “giovane” is a broader term and can refer to anyone in their youth, it can also be used to specifically mean “adolescent” in certain contexts. Here’s an example:
Gli adolescenti sono spesso considerati giovani promettenti. (Adolescents are often considered promising youths.)
Informal Ways to Say Adolescent in Italian
In informal settings or when talking with friends and family, you may come across alternative ways of referring to an adolescent. These expressions might have a more colloquial or regional flavor. Let’s explore a few of them:
1. Ragazzo / Ragazza
“Ragazzo” and “ragazza” mean “boy” and “girl” respectively. Although these terms generally refer to teenagers, they can also encompass the adolescent age range. They are commonly used in everyday spoken Italian. Here’s an example:
I ragazzi in questa fase della vita possono essere piuttosto turbolenti. (Adolescents at this stage of life can be quite turbulent.)
2. Teenager
A loanword from English, “teenager” (pronounced “teenager”) is sometimes used in Italian to refer to adolescents. It’s more prevalent among younger generations or in less formal conversations. Here’s an example:
I teenager italiani sono sempre in contatto con la tecnologia. (Italian teenagers are always connected to technology.)
Regional Variations
Italian is known for its beautiful regional diversity, which extends to the language. While the terms mentioned above are widely understood across Italy, it’s worth noting that some regions have their own unique dialects or expressions for “adolescent.” If you happen to encounter Italian speakers from specific regions, you might come across the following variations:
1. Marmocchio (Southern Italy)
In parts of southern Italy, particularly in dialects such as Neapolitan, the word “marmocchio” is commonly used to refer to a young child or adolescent. It can be used in a playful or affectionate way. However, keep in mind that it might not be immediately recognizable to speakers from other regions. Here’s an example:
Quel marmocchio si sta trasformando in un adulto. (That adolescent is growing into an adult.)
2. Pischello / Pischella (Northern Italy)
In certain dialects of northern Italy, such as Lombard and Piedmontese, you might come across the words “pischello” and “pischella.” These terms are often used to refer to an adolescent or a young person. Here’s an example:
Quel pischello sta diventando un uomo. (That adolescent is becoming a man.)
Conclusion
Now you know several ways to say “adolescent” in Italian, covering both formal and informal contexts. Remember to use “adolescente” for standard Italian or “giovane” if you want a broader term. In informal settings, “ragazzo” and “ragazza” are common alternatives, while “teenager” is also sometimes used. If you encounter regional variations, feel free to embrace the local dialect, such as “marmocchio” in the South or “pischello” in the North. Enjoy incorporating these Italian expressions into your conversations about adolescents!
