biglietto d'auguri
The Italian phrase for greeting card is biglietto d'auguri.
biglietto d'auguri refers to a card sent as a greeting.
Meaning: card sent as a greeting (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of biglietto (ticket/small note) and d'auguri (of wishes/congratulations).
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, you change the noun biglietto to biglietti, while the prepositional phrase d'auguri remains unchanged.
Did you know?
- The word biglietto shares an unexpected ancestor with the English word 'bullet', as both can be traced back to the Latin bulla, meaning a seal or a small object.
- In Italy, it is common to include a cash gift inside a biglietto d'auguri for weddings or birthdays, often tucked into a small envelope attached to the card.
- Italian has a specific distinction between a biglietto (a small card or ticket) and a cartolina (a postcard), meaning you would never call a greeting card a cartolina unless it was actually mailed as a postcard.
Examples in context
- Caro Marco, ti mando un biglietto di auguri per il tuo compleanno. Tanti auguri!Dear Marco, I'm sending you a greeting card for your birthday. Best wishes!
- Ti penso sempre e ti auguro il meglio. Con affetto, MartinaI always think of you and wish you the best. With love, Martina
- Ho comprato un biglietto d'auguri per te.I bought a greeting card for you.
- Dove posso trovare un biglietto d'auguri?Where can I find a greeting card?
- Il biglietto d'auguri è molto colorato.The greeting card is very colorful.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Giulia are shopping for a gift.
- AlessandroGiulia, serve anche un biglietto d'auguri?Giulia, do we also need a greeting card?
- GiuliaSì, cerchiamone uno colorato.Yes, let's look for a colorful one.
- AlessandroGuarda, questo è molto bello.Look, this one is very beautiful.
- GiuliaPerfetto, prendiamo questo!Perfect, let's take this one!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries biglietto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
