nipoti
The English phrase 'grandchildren' is translated into Italian as nipoti.
The word nipoti refers to the children of a person's own children. However, it is an ambiguous term because it is also used to refer to nephews or nieces.
Which one should you use?
While nipoti can mean grandchildren, it also encompasses the words for nephews or nieces.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of this word is nipote, which can mean a grandchild, a nephew or a niece. The plural form nipoti is used for both masculine and feminine groups.
Did you know?
- The ambiguity of nipoti can lead to humorous misunderstandings in Italian cinema and literature, where a character is introduced as a nipote and their exact role in the family tree is a plot twist.
- While English has distinct words for grandchildren and nieces or nephews, Italian uses the same root for all, reflecting a broader cultural concept of the 'next generation' of the family.
- The ambiguity of nipoti means that in legal or formal documents, Italians must often use more specific phrases like discendenti (descendants) to avoid confusion with nephews.
Examples in context
- Io ho tre nipoti.I have three grandchildren.This sentence is useful for stating how many grandchildren you have.Tatoeba #13592883 by Guybrush88, translation #6003003 by CK
- Tu hai dei nipoti?Do you have any grandchildren?This sentence is useful for asking someone if they have any grandchildren.Tatoeba #3015099 by Guybrush88, translation #1561530 by CM
- Tom ha tre nipoti.Tom has three grandchildren.This sentence is useful for stating how many grandchildren a specific person has.Tatoeba #4539592 by Guybrush88, translation #4493613 by CK
- I miei nipoti sono adorabili.My grandchildren are adorable.
- Ho cinque nipoti.I have five grandchildren.
- I miei nipotini sono così carini!My grandchildren are so cute!
- Auguri a tutti i nipotini!Best wishes to all the grandchildren!
- 48 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Giulia are talking about family during a walk.
- MatteoQuanti nipoti hai, Giulia?How many grandchildren do you have, Giulia?
- GiuliaHo due nipoti bellissimi.I have two beautiful grandchildren.
- MatteoSono molto divertenti, i tuoi nipoti?Are your grandchildren a lot of fun?
- GiuliaSì, sono adorabili.Yes, they are adorable.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
