bambola
/ˈbam.bo.la/feminine
The Italian word for doll is bambola.
The primary word for a toy in the form of a human is bambola. It can also be used figuratively to describe a person, such as when calling someone a doll.
Meaning: a toy in the form of a human (noun)
Which one should you use?
While bambola is the standard term, you may encounter bambolina or pupetta in specific informal contexts to express endearment or to describe a small, cute doll.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of bambola is bambole. The word is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈbam.bo.la/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The word bambola is an onomatopoeic creation, likely mimicking the babbling sounds of a child.
- In Italy, the expression fare la bambola describes a person who is remaining completely passive or still, as if they were a lifeless toy.
- Calling a woman a bambola can actually be a subtle insult, implying she looks 'artificial' or too heavily made up.
Examples in context
- È la mia bambola.That's my doll.This sentence shows the possessive use of bambola.Tatoeba #2352434 by Guybrush88, translation #1897795 by CK
- Mary è una bambola.Mary is a doll.This sentence illustrates the figurative use of bambola to describe a person.Tatoeba #3951224 by Guybrush88, translation #2280377 by CK
- Le dia una bambola.Give her a doll.This sentence demonstrates how to use bambola when giving a command.Tatoeba #5770710 by Guybrush88, translation #308902 by CK
- Ho comprato una pupetta molto carina per mia nipotina.I bought a cute little doll for my niece.
- La bambolina che ho visto al negozio sembra proprio reale.The little doll I saw at the store looks so real.
- 88 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Giulia are in a toy store.
- MatteoGuarda quella bambola, Giulia!Look at that doll, Giulia!
- GiuliaÈ bellissima, Matteo.It is beautiful, Matteo.
- MatteoVuoi che la compri per te?Do you want me to buy it for you?
- GiuliaSì, grazie mille!Yes, thank you so much!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “doll” translations and entries bambola, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bambola, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
