fratelli
The Italian phrase for "brothers" is fratelli.
The term fratelli is the plural form used for brothers. It is also used to refer to a mixed group consisting of both brothers and sisters (siblings).
Which one should you use?
While fratelli refers to brothers or a mixed-gender group of siblings, the singular form is fratello. For informal contexts, you may use fratellino to mean "little brother" or fratellone to mean "big brother".
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of fratelli is fratello.
Did you know?
- While fratelli means 'brothers', the phrase fratelli di sangue specifically emphasizes 'blood brothers' in a biological sense, whereas fratelli di latte refers to 'milk brothers' who were nursed by the same woman.
- The term fratello is used in the Catholic Church to address monks or friars, reflecting the religious ideal of a community of spiritual brothers.
- In many Italian songs and poetry, the word fratello is used metaphorically to address a close friend or a comrade in arms.
Examples in context
- Io ho due fratelli.I have two brothers.This sentence is useful for stating the number of fratelli you have.Tatoeba #1307431 by Guybrush88, translation #249765 by CK
- Io non ho fratelli.I don't have any brothers.This sentence is useful for stating that you do not have any fratelli.Tatoeba #2020031 by Guybrush88, translation #249896 by CK
- Io ho tre fratelli.I have three brothers.Tatoeba #7850717 by Guybrush88, translation #249952 by CK
- Sai, il mio fratellino è molto simpatico.You know, my little brother is very nice.
- 259 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Martina are talking about family members.
- MatteoHai dei fratelli?Do you have brothers?
- MartinaSì, ho due fratelli.Yes, I have two brothers.
- MatteoI tuoi fratelli sono alti?Are your brothers tall?
- MartinaNo, sono piuttosto bassi.No, they are quite short.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
