Ways to say it
| Sicilian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cumpari | /kumˈpa.ɾi/ | masculine, plural, singular |
| padrinu | masculine |
A cumpari is a man present at the christening of a baby who promises to help raise the child in a Christian manner. Beyond this religious role, the term is also used colloquially to refer to a close male friend or companion.
Which one should you use?
While padrinu is a masculine term for godfather, cumpari is the most common term used in both social and religious contexts to refer to a godfather or a close male companion.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word cumpari is used for both the singular and the plural forms. It remains unchanged when referring to multiple godfathers.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /kumˈpa.ɾi/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
When do people say it?
In Sicilian tradition, the relationship between a cumpari and the parents is considered a sacred bond of spiritual kinship. The term is also frequently used as a way to show endearment or respect between men who share a close friendship or a ritual kinship.
Did you know?
- The word cumpari is a cognate of the English word 'compare'.
- The term cumpari describes the relationship between the godfather and the parents, not just the godfather and the child.
- In certain Sicilian dialects, cumpari is shortened to cumpà in casual conversation.
Examples in context
- Iddu è u me cumpari.He is my godfather.
- U cumpari m'aiuta sempri.The godfather always helps me.
- Vonu a visitari u cumpari.I am going to visit the godfather.
Example conversation
Salvatore and Giulia are talking about a family event.
- SalvatoreGiulia, u cumpari veni stasera?Giulia, is the godfather coming tonight?
- GiuliaSì, Salvatore, veni cu a famigghia.Yes, Salvatore, he is coming with his family.
- SalvatoreÈ nu bonu cumpari.He is a good godfather.
- GiuliaVeru, è un omu assai bonu.True, he is a very good man.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “godfather” translations and entries cumpari, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cumpari, CC BY-SA 4.0.
