What does it mean word for word?
The plural form ragazzi is derived from the singular ragazzo, which means 'boy'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Ragazzi is an informal term and should be avoided in highly formal or professional settings. In a professional environment, if you wish to refer to colleagues or workmates, colleghi is a more appropriate choice. You can also use amici as an informal way to refer to a group of people, which translates to 'friends'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a mixed-gender group, use the masculine plural ragazzi to include everyone. However, if the group consists entirely of females, you should use the feminine plural ragazze instead.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /raˈɡat.tsi/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- If you want to sound much more 'street' or extremely informal, you might hear the word regà in Rome, which is a shortened, slang version of ragazzi.
- In Italian, ragazza can mean 'girl', but it is also the standard word for 'girlfriend' when used with a possessive pronoun like la mia ragazza.
- In the context of a telephone call or a text message, an Italian might say Ciao ragazzi to a single person if they are joking about that person being one of the 'gang'.
Examples in context
- So di voi ragazzi.I know about you guys.This sentence shows how to use ragazzi when referring to a group.Tatoeba #2448134 by Guybrush88, translation #2375847 by CK
- Hey ragazzi, come va?Hey guys, what's up?This sentence demonstrates using ragazzi as a direct address to greet a group.Tatoeba #3561378 by Guybrush88, translation #2724693 by Hybrid
- Voi ragazzi state qui.You guys stay here.This sentence shows how to use ragazzi as a direct address to give instructions to a group.Tatoeba #3944709 by Guybrush88, translation #3184904 by CK
- Ciao ragazzi! Siete pronti per andare al cinema stasera?Hi guys! Are you ready to go to the cinema tonight?
- Buona serata, amici! Ci vediamo domaniHave a good evening, guys! See you tomorrow.
- 170 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Chiara are planning a trip with their friends.
- LorenzoEhi ragazzi, siete pronti?Hey guys, are you ready?
- ChiaraSì Lorenzo, stiamo arrivando.Yes Lorenzo, we are coming.
- LorenzoNon fate tardi!Don't be late!
- ChiaraTranquillo, arriviamo subito.Don't worry, we'll be there soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ragazzi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
