cattiva ragazza
The English phrase "bad girl" is translated into Italian as cattiva ragazza.
cattiva ragazza is used to describe a girl or young woman who behaves poorly or breaks the rules. Depending on the context, the phrase can also imply that a girl is morally bad or wicked.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective cattiva (bad/evil) and the noun ragazza (girl).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because ragazza is a feminine singular noun, the adjective must also be feminine singular, cattiva. The plural form of the phrase is cattive ragazze, where both the adjective and noun take the feminine plural endings.
Did you know?
- The word ragazza has a humble origin, tracing back to the Ancient Greek word rhákos meaning 'rag' or 'tatter'. This suggests the term originally referred to someone wearing ragged, worn-out clothing.
- If an Italian speaker calls someone cattiva in a playful, flirtatious tone, it often means 'naughty' rather than truly 'bad' or 'evil'.
- While cattiva ragazza is the literal translation, Italians often use the word birichina to describe a girl who is 'bad' in a mischievous or childlike way.
Examples in context
- Non è una cattiva ragazza.She's not a bad girl.This sentence is useful for showing how to negate the phrase using cattiva ragazza.Tatoeba #2703618 by Guybrush88, translation #1887030 by Spamster
- Mary è una cattiva ragazza.Mary is a bad girl.This sentence is useful for identifying someone as a cattiva ragazza.Tatoeba #4874752 by Guybrush88, translation #1486072 by Spamster
- Che simpatica la cattivella!What a cute bad girl!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Lorenzo are discussing a sister's behavior.
- MartinaMia sorella è proprio una cattiva ragazza.My sister is really a bad girl.
- LorenzoPerché lo dici, Martina?Why do you say that, Martina?
- MartinaNon ascolta mai i nostri genitori.She never listens to our parents.
- LorenzoSpero che lei cambi presto.I hope she changes soon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ragazza, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
