ragazza grande
/raˈɡat.t͡sa ˈɡran.de/word by word
The English phrase "big girl" is translated into Italian as ragazza grande.
A girl who is older or more mature than others of her age.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ragazza (girl) and grande (big/large).
Which one should you use?
While grande can mean 'big' in size, in this context it refers to being older or more mature, similar to the English usage.
How do you pronounce it?
It consists of 5 syllables with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word ragazza has a humble origin, deriving from a term for a 'rag' or 'tatter' in Ancient Greek. This suggests the word originally described someone wearing old or worn-out clothes.
- The word ragazza is the feminized form of ragazzo, which refers to both a 'boy' and a 'boyfriend' in modern Italian.
- While ragazza grande refers to maturity, an Italian speaker might use the phrase fare la grande to describe a child who is pretending to be an adult or acting overly mature.
Examples in context
- Guarda un po', è proprio una ragazza cresciuta, sembra ancora ieri che giocava con le bambole!Look, she's a grown girl now, it seems like yesterday she was still playing with dolls!
- È una ragazza grande, molto responsabile.She is a big girl, very responsible.
- Non è più una bambina, è una ragazza grande.She is not a child anymore, she is a big girl.
Example conversation
Lorenzo is encouraging Sofia to try something new.
- LorenzoVuoi provare a salire da sola?Do you want to try climbing up by yourself?
- SofiaSì, ce la faccio!Yes, I can do it!
- LorenzoBrava, sei proprio una ragazza grande.Good girl, you really are a big girl.
- SofiaGrazie, papà!Thanks, Dad!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (ragazza, grande) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries grande, ragazza, CC BY-SA 4.0.
