How to Say Brother and Sister in Italian: Formal and Informal Ways

When learning a new language, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with basic vocabulary words, such as family terms. In this guide, we will explore the different ways to say “brother” and “sister” in Italian, both formally and informally. Whether you want to address a family member or have a conversation with an Italian-speaking friend, these words will come in handy. Let’s dive in!

1. How to Say “Brother” in Italian

The word for “brother” in Italian is “fratello.” It is important to note that Italian nouns and adjectives can have variations depending on gender and number. In this case, “fratello” refers to a singular brother.

1.1 Formal Way to Say “Brother”

If you want to address someone formally, you can use the term “fratello” followed by the respectful title “Signore.” This combination is commonly used in more formal settings or when speaking to someone older or in a position of authority.

“Buongiorno, Signore. Mi chiamo Marco e sono suo fratello.” (Good morning, sir. My name is Marco, and I am your brother.)

1.2 Informal Way to Say “Brother”

For casual or everyday conversations, you can simply use “fratello” without any additional titles. It is worth noting that Italians often use endearing terms when referring to their siblings, making the conversation more warm and friendly.

“Ciao, fratello! Hai visto il nuovo film al cinema?” (Hi, brother! Have you seen the new movie at the cinema?)

2. How to Say “Sister” in Italian

The Italian word for “sister” is “sorella.” Similar to “fratello,” “sorella” is singular but can change based on gender and number.

2.1 Formal Way to Say “Sister”

If you wish to address someone formally, you can use “sorella” with the respectful term “Signora.”

“Mi scusi, Signora, può presentarmi sua sorella?” (Excuse me, madam, can you introduce me to your sister?)

2.2 Informal Way to Say “Sister”

When talking in a more casual setting, you can opt for using “sorella” alone or add an affectionate touch for a warmer tone.

“Sorellina, sai dove ho messo il telefono?” (Sis, do you know where I put my phone?)

3. Regional Variations and Other Tips

While most of the Italian language remains consistent across regions, there can be some variations in family terms. Here are a few additional tips and examples for your reference:

3.1 Regional Variations

Sicilian dialect, for instance, uses “frati” for brothers and “soru” for sisters, while Neapolitan dialect commonly uses “fratè” for brothers and “so’ra” for sisters. Outside of dialects, the usage of “fratello” and “sorella” is understood and widely used throughout Italy.

3.2 Tips and Examples

• When speaking to multiple brothers, use the plural form “fratelli.” For multiple sisters, use the plural form “sorelle.”
• Using possessive adjectives to indicate “my brother” would be “mio fratello” (masculine) or “mia sorella” (feminine).
• Adding endearing terms like “piccolo” (little) or “grande” (big) before the family terms can express the sibling relationship more intimately. For example, “Il mio piccolo fratello” translates to “My little brother.”
• In cases where a stepbrother or stepsister is involved, Italians typically use “figlio” (son) or “figlia” (daughter) combined with “di matrigna” (stepmother) or “di patrigno” (stepfather) to denote the step relationship. For example, “mio figlio di matrigna” means “my stepbrother.”