cattivo ragazzo
/katˈti.vo raˈɡat.t͡so/word by word
The English phrase "bad boy" is cattivo ragazzo in Italian.
cattivo ragazzo refers to a person who behaves badly or breaks rules. In Italian, this phrase is typically used in a literal sense to describe a naughty child. Unlike the English slang connotation which might imply a rebellious or attractive man, cattivo ragazzo is generally more straightforward unless used within a specific stylistic context.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of cattivo (bad) and ragazzo (boy).
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a female, change the masculine cattivo ragazzo to the feminine cattiva ragazza. For a plural subject, the form changes to cattivi ragazzi.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 5 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word cattivo descends from the Latin word for 'captive'. Over time, the meaning shifted from being a prisoner to being 'caught by the devil' and finally to simply being 'bad'.
- While cattivo ragazzo is literal, Italians often use the word birichino to describe a 'bad boy' who is merely mischievous or cheeky rather than truly malicious.
- The word cattivo can also describe things that are not morally bad but physically unpleasant, such as cattivo odore for a 'bad smell'.
Examples in context
- Tom è un cattivo ragazzo.Tom is a bad boy.This sentence is useful for identifying someone as a cattivo ragazzo.Tatoeba #2611652 by Guybrush88, translation #1025204 by CK
- Non è un cattivo ragazzo.He's not a bad boy.This sentence is useful for stating that someone is not a cattivo ragazzo.Tatoeba #3549937 by Guybrush88, translation #1887028 by Spamster
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Francesco are discussing a new acquaintance.
- MartinaHai visto quel tipo? Sembra proprio un cattivo ragazzo.Did you see that guy? He seems like a real bad boy.
- FrancescoSì, ma credo che sia solo un'immagine.Yes, but I think it is just an image.
- MartinaNon mi fido, ha l'aria di uno che rompe le regole.I don't trust him, he looks like someone who breaks the rules.
- FrancescoForse, ma Francesco non giudica nessuno subito.Maybe, but Francesco doesn't judge anyone immediately.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (cattivo, ragazzo) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cattivo, ragazzo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
