ragazzo nero
/raˈɡat.t͡so ˈne.ro/word by word
The English phrase "black guy" is translated into Italian as ragazzo nero.
This phrase is used to refer to a boy or man with dark skin.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun ragazzo (boy/guy) and the adjective nero (black).
Which one should you use?
While ragazzo nero refers to a boy or guy, if you are specifically referring to an adult man, you should use uomo nero.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes based on gender and number. The feminine form is ragazza nera (black girl), and the plural masculine form is ragazzi neri (black guys/boys).
How do you pronounce it?
It has 5 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word ragazzo has a mysterious origin, with some linguists suggesting it may trace back to the Arabic word for a 'courier' or 'delivery boy'.
- While 'black' is a common descriptor in English, when describing people in Italy, the term nero can sometimes be replaced by di colore, a more polite and indirect way to refer to skin tone in formal settings.
- The term ragazzo is used far more flexibly than 'boy', often referring to men well into their thirties as long as they maintain a youthful spirit or appearance.
Examples in context
- Ho appena conosciuto un ragazzo nero molto simpatico al bar.I just met a very friendly black guy at the bar.
- Quel ragazzo nero è molto simpatico.That black guy is very nice.
- Ho visto un ragazzo nero al parco.I saw a black guy at the park.
- È un ragazzo nero molto alto.He is a very tall black guy.
Example conversation
Giulia and Lorenzo are watching people from a cafe terrace.
- GiuliaGuarda quel ragazzo nero con la maglia rossa.Look at that black guy with the red shirt.
- LorenzoSì, è molto elegante.Yes, he is very elegant.
- GiuliaCredi che sia un modello?Do you think he is a model?
- LorenzoForse, sembra molto sicuro di sé.Maybe, he seems very confident.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (ragazzo, nero) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nero, ragazzo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
