Hello Kitty
Hello Kitty is the Italian name for the fictional white cat character and global brand of cute merchandise.
Hello Kitty refers specifically to the character and brand. If you are looking for ways to actually greet people in Italian, you might use other words such as salve for a formal hello, Buongiorno for good morning, Buonasera for good evening or Ehi for an informal way to say hey.
Did you know?
- In some Italian contexts, the 'cute' aesthetic of Hello Kitty is linked to the word tenero, which literally means 'tender' or 'soft', rather than just 'cute'.
- In Italy, the concept of 'cuteness' associated with Hello Kitty is often described as carino, but the global trend of 'kawaii' is frequently discussed using the original Japanese term.
- Although Hello Kitty is unchanged, an Italian might call a real kitten a micio, a term of endearment that carries the same emotional weight as 'kitty' does in English.
Examples in context
- Ho una borsa con Hello Kitty.I have a Hello Kitty bag.
- Questo adesivo di Hello Kitty è adorabile.This Hello Kitty sticker is adorable.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a collection of stationery in a shop.
- SofiaGuarda questa penna di Hello Kitty!Look at this Hello Kitty pen!
- MatteoÈ molto carina, Sofia.It is very cute, Sofia.
- SofiaVuoi comprarla per te, Matteo?Do you want to buy it for yourself, Matteo?
- MatteoNo, preferisco un altro personaggio.No, I prefer another character.
