Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| madrina | /maˈdri.na/ | feminine |
| comare | /koˈma.re/ | feminine |
A godmother is a woman present at the christening of a baby who promises to help raise the child in a Christian manner.
Which one should you use?
madrina is the standard, most common term used in modern Italian. In contrast, comare is a more colloquial or regional term often used to refer to the relationship between the godmother and the parents.
Is it said differently in some regions?
comare is more commonly used in Southern Italy, particularly in areas like Naples and Sicily. In Northern Italy, the word zia (aunt) is a regional variation used to refer to a godmother.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /maˈdri.na/.
When do people say it?
In many Italian social circles, the term comare is used as a friendly, familiar way to address a woman who is a godmother to one's child or even just a close female friend.
Did you know?
- The Sicilian word for godmother is parrina, which differs significantly from the standard Italian madrina.
- In traditional Italian village culture, the relationship of comari was often used to create strategic social and familial alliances between different households.
Examples in context
- È la mia madrina.She's my godmother.This sentence introduces someone as my madrina.Tatoeba #1086270 by Guybrush88, translation #981804 by CK
- La madrina fece una deliziosa torta.The godmother baked a delicious cake.This sentence describes an action performed by the madrina.Tatoeba #3380047 by Guybrush88, translation #818046 by Cindrogriza
- Mia sorella è la madrina di mia figlia.My sister is my daughter's godmother.This sentence explains the relationship of a sister being the madrina of a daughter.Tatoeba #13821508 by Guybrush88, translation #1103733 by elmetal
- Mi presento, questa è la mia madrina, Signora Rossi.Let me introduce you, this is my godmother, Mrs. Rossi.
- La mia madrina mi ha comprato un regalo per il mio compleanno.My godmother bought me a gift for my birthday.
- La madrina di mia figlia è una persona speciale nella nostra famiglia.My daughter's godmother is a special person in our family.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Alessandro are discussing a baby shower.
- ChiaraHai già scelto la madrina per il bambino?Have you already chosen the godmother for the baby?
- AlessandroSì, ho chiesto alla sorella di mia moglie.Yes, I asked my wife's sister.
- ChiaraÈ un'ottima idea, sarà una madrina affettuosa.It's a great idea, she will be an affectionate godmother.
- AlessandroSpero anche che il piccolo le voglia bene.I hope the little one loves her too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “godmother” translations and entries madrina, comare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries comare, madrina, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
