paperella
The English phrase "ducky" is translated into Italian as paperella.
The term refers to a small toy shaped like a duck, which is typically made of rubber or plastic for children to play with in the bath.
What does it mean word for word?
The word paperella is a diminutive of papera (duck), formed by adding the suffix -ella to mean "little duck".
How does it change in a sentence?
paperella is a feminine noun. Its plural form is paperelle.
Did you know?
- In Italian sports journalism, a papera is a slang term for a glaring mistake or a 'blooper' made by a commentator or athlete.
- The word papera can also be used in Italian to describe a person who is clumsy or 'ditsy', so calling a child paperella is a way to soften a potentially teasing term.
- While paperella is the toy, Italian has a completely different word for the actual bird species, anatra, which lacks the 'cute' connotations of the diminutive.
Examples in context
- Che carino, un anatino!How cute, a little ducky!
- La paperella gialla galleggia nell'acqua.The yellow ducky floats in the water.
- Il bambino vuole la sua paperella.The child wants his ducky.
- Ho comprato una paperella di gomma per il bagno.I bought a rubber ducky for the bath.
Example conversation
Chiara and Lorenzo are preparing the bath for their baby.
- ChiaraLorenzo, hai preso la paperella?Lorenzo, did you get the ducky?
- LorenzoSì, è proprio qui sul bordo.Yes, it is right here on the edge.
- ChiaraPerfetto, lui adora giocare con quella.Perfect, he loves playing with that one.
- LorenzoSpero che si diverta molto.I hope he has a lot of fun.
