zia
/ˈd͡zi.a/feminine
The Italian word for aunt is zia.
zia is a noun used to refer to a parent's sister or sister-in-law.
Meaning: a parent's sister or sister-in-law (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
zia is a feminine noun. The plural form of zia is zie.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable: /ˈdzi.a/.
Did you know?
- In many parts of Italy, the term zia is used as a term of endearment or respect for any older woman in the neighborhood, regardless of biological relation.
- The word zia is a direct descendant of the Ancient Greek word θεία, which originally meant 'aunt' in the classical sense.
- The Italian zia is a cognate of the Spanish tía and the French tante, though the Italian and Spanish versions share a more similar sound.
Examples in context
- Chi è tua zia?Who's your aunt?This sentence is useful for asking who someone's zia is.Tatoeba #13272892 by Guybrush88, translation #6049457 by mailohilohi
- Mary è tua zia.Mary is your aunt.This sentence is useful for identifying that Mary is someone's zia.Tatoeba #13272872 by Guybrush88, translation #12056049 by CK
- Io amo mia zia.I love my aunt.This sentence is useful for expressing love for one's zia.Tatoeba #13272891 by Guybrush88, translation #6113945 by mailohilohi
- Mi scusi, signora. La sua zia è qui?Excuse me, ma'am. Is your aunt here?
- Buon giorno, zia Maria. Come sta?Good morning, Aunt Maria. How are you?
- Ciao, zia! Come stai?Hi, Aunt! How are you?
- Grazie per il regalo, zietta!Thank you for the gift, Auntie!
- 251 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Martina are talking about a family party.
- LorenzoViene anche tua zia alla festa?Is your aunt coming to the party too?
- MartinaSì, mia zia arriverà stasera.Yes, my aunt will arrive tonight.
- LorenzoChe bello, sarà una bella serata!How lovely, it will be a great evening!
- MartinaSpero che la zia porti la torta.I hope my aunt brings the cake.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “aunt” translations and entries zia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries zia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
