padrino
/paˈdri.no/masculine
The Italian word for godfather is padrino. If unsure, use padrino. Wiktionary also lists compare.
Meaning: man present at the christening of a baby who promises to help raise the child in a Christian manner (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| padrino | /paˈdri.no/ | masculine |
| compare | /komˈpa.re/ | masculine |
The term padrino primarily refers to a man present at a baby's christening who promises to help raise the child in a Christian manner. Beyond this religious context, it can also be used figuratively to refer to a patron or to describe a mafia boss.
Which one should you use?
While padrino is the masculine form, the feminine form for a godmother is madrina.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of padrino is padrini.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /paˈdri.no/.
Did you know?
- The term compare is used in Italy to describe the relationship between two godfathers or a godfather and the child's father. It denotes a bond of spiritual kinship and mutual support.
- The term compare is frequently used as a friendly, informal greeting between men in Southern Italy, regardless of whether they are actually godfathers.
- In some Italian regions, the bond of comparaggio created by a padrino is historically considered as strong as or stronger than blood relations.
Examples in context
- Tom è il mio padrino.Tom is my godfather.This sentence shows how to identify someone as your godfather using padrino.Tatoeba #9241214 by Guybrush88, translation #9241171 by CK
- Il mio padrino mi ha dato quella maglietta rossa.My godfather gave me that red shirt.This sentence describes an action performed by a godfather using padrino.Tatoeba #11087657 by carlosalberto, translation #2761953 by mervert1
- Ho bisogno che il mio padrino venga con me alla cerimonia.I need my godfather to come with me to the ceremony.
- Il mio compare mi ha sempre sostenuto.My godfather has always been there for me.
- Ho un zio fantastico che si comporta come un padrino.I have an amazing uncle who acts as my godfather.
- Oggi festeggiamo il compleanno del mio compare!Today we're celebrating my godfather's birthday!
- Cerchiamo un padrino per il bambino.We are looking for a godfather for the baby.
Example conversation
Giulia and Alessandro are discussing a baby shower.
- GiuliaHai già scelto il padrino per il piccolo?Have you already chosen the godfather for the little one?
- AlessandroSì, ho chiesto a mio fratello.Yes, I asked my brother.
- GiuliaÈ un'ottima scelta per un padrino.He is an excellent choice for a godfather.
- AlessandroGrazie, lui è molto felice.Thanks, he is very happy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “godfather” translations and entries padrino, compare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
