Caro
to a man, friend or family
In an Italian letter to a friend you write Caro before a man's name and Cara before a woman's name, for example Cara Giulia. It is also called Gentile and Egregio.
Meaning: dear, as in the opening of a letter (adjective)
Ways to say it
| Italian | Note |
|---|---|
| Caro | to a man, friend or family |
| Cara | to a woman, friend or family |
| Gentile | formal, any gender |
| Egregio | very formal, to a man |
A comma follows the name, and the first word of the letter is written with a small letter in Italian.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In a formal letter Italians use Gentile for a man or a woman, for example Gentile signora Rossi. Egregio is more solemn and used for a man you do not know, such as Egregio dottor Bianchi.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word agrees with the person: Caro for one man, Cara for one woman, Cari for several men or a mixed group and Care for several women.
Did you know?
- The same word caro also means "expensive" in Italian, so Cara Giulia and È caro use one word in two senses.
Examples in context
- Caro Marco,Dear Marco,
- Cara nonna,Dear Grandma,
- Gentile signora Rossi,Dear Mrs. Rossi,
Example conversation
Elena asks her teacher Mr. Verdi how to start a letter to a friend and to a company.
- ElenaCome inizio una lettera a un'amica?How do I start a letter to a friend?
- VerdiScrivi «Cara» e il suo nome.Write "Cara" and her name.
- ElenaE a un'azienda?And to a company?
- VerdiMeglio «Gentili signori».Better "Gentili signori".
