Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| baby-sitter | /ˈbɛ.bi ˈsit.ter/ | feminine, masculine |
| guardabimbi | feminine, informal, masculine | |
| badabimbi | feminine, informal, masculine |
In Italian, terms for a person who provides childcare range from the borrowed English term to native colloquialisms. While baby-sitter is common, you may also encounter guardabimbi or badabimbi in informal settings. For a more formal role involving both childcare and the education of children, the term governante (governess) is used. Additionally, ragazza alla pari refers specifically to an au pair girl, which is sometimes used when the sitter lives with the family.
Which one should you use?
While baby-sitter is a direct loanword from English, guardabimbi is a more colloquial and native Italian way to say babysitter. The form badabimbi is also an informal alternative used in conversation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term baby-sitter is used in informal situations. For a formal context involving a person who manages a child's education, use governante.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In central regions of Italy, such as Tuscany and Rome, the word tata is commonly used alongside baby-sitter to refer to a sitter.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word guardabimbi is invariable, so it does not change its form when referring to more than one person.
Did you know?
- The term ragazza alla pari is used for an au pair, but literally translates to 'girl at equal level'.
- The word bimbi inside the terms guardabimbi and badabimbi is a shortened, affectionate form of the word for 'babies'.
- The word badabimbi is a playful, informal version of 'babysitter' that uses the verb bada, meaning 'to look after'.
Examples in context
- Hai una baby-sitter disponibile?Do you have a babysitter available?
- Potresti fare la tata stasera?Could you babysit tonight?
- Sto cercando una babysitter per il mio bambino.I am looking for a babysitter for my child.
- Mia sorella lavora come tata per una famiglia.My sister works as a nanny for a family.
- La baby-sitter si prenderà cura dei nostri bambini questa sera.The babysitter will take care of our children tonight.
- La baby-sitter è molto dolce.The babysitter is very sweet.
- Cerchiamo un baby-sitter per sabato sera.We are looking for a babysitter for Saturday night.
- Il mio baby-sitter è un ragazzo simpatico.My babysitter is a nice guy.
Example conversation
Giulia and Lorenzo are discussing childcare for their upcoming party.
- GiuliaLorenzo, hai già trovato un baby-sitter?Lorenzo, have you already found a babysitter?
- LorenzoNo, Giulia, non ho ancora chiamato nessuno.No, Giulia, I haven't called anyone yet.
- GiuliaDobbiamo trovarne uno bravo per stasera.We need to find a good one for tonight.
- LorenzoHai ragione, lo cerco subito.You're right, I'll look for one right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “babysitter” translations and entries baby-sitter, guardabimbi, badabimbi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries baby-sitter, badabimbi, guardabimbi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
