tesorino
/te.zoˈri.no/
The English phrase 'cutie pie' is translated into Italian as tesorino.
tesorino is used to describe a cute person.
Meaning: cute person (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a diminutive of tesoro (treasure), meaning 'little treasure'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
tesorino is an affectionate, informal term used for children or romantic partners.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use tesorina to refer to a female 'cutie pie'. The plural form for a group of boys or a mixed group is tesorini.
How do you pronounce it?
/te.zoˈri.no/. The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word tesorino shares a linguistic root with the English word 'treasury', as both derive from the concept of a collection of valuables.
- In Italian, the suffix -ino is so versatile that it can turn a neutral noun into a term of affection, a way to describe something small, or even a way to soften a negative trait.
- Using tesorino to address a stranger in a shop might be seen as overly intimate or even patronizing, depending on the tone.
Examples in context
- Il mio tesorino è tornato a casa.My cutie pie is back home.
- Guarda quel tesorino nel passeggino!Look at that cutie pie in the stroller!
- Sei un vero tesorino, lo sai?You are a real cutie pie, you know that?
Example conversation
Chiara and Alessandro are visiting a friend's new baby.
- ChiaraChe tesorino che è questo bambino!What a cutie pie this baby is!
- AlessandroSì, è davvero adorabile.Yes, he is truly adorable.
- ChiaraAlessandro, guardalo mentre dorme.Alessandro, look at him while he sleeps.
- AlessandroÈ un tesorino, non vedo l'ora di vederlo crescere.He is a cutie pie, I can't wait to see him grow up.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tesorino, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tesorino, CC BY-SA 4.0.
