Che carino
/ˈke kaˈri.no/word by word
The English phrase "how cute" can be translated into Italian as Che carino.
Che carino is used to express that something is cute. While it primarily means cute, it is also frequently used to mean "nice" or "pleasant" in a social context.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the person or object being described, so use Che carina for feminine subjects. Use Che carini if you are referring to a group of males or a mixed-gender group of people or things. Use Che carine if you are referring to a group consisting only of females or feminine objects.
Did you know?
- While carino means 'cute', saying Che carino! about a person's behavior can sometimes sound patronizing, as if you are treating an adult like a child.
- The word carino shares an ancient root with the English word 'dear', both stemming from the Latin 'carus' meaning 'beloved' or 'precious'.
- The suffix -ino used in carino is a diminutive. In Italian, adding this suffix doesn't just change the size but often adds an emotional layer of affection or sweetness to the root word.
Examples in context
- Oh, che carino.Oh, how cute.This sentence is useful for realizing how to express the sentiment "Oh, how cute" using Che carino.Tatoeba #11090705 by Guybrush88, translation #10162839 by espamatics
- Che carino!How cute!This sentence is useful for seeing how to use Che carino as an exclamation.Tatoeba #1317167 by giullina, translation #36097 by CM
- Ho appena incontrato il tuo cagnolino. Che carino!I just met your little dog. How cute!
- Il tuo bambino è appena addormentato. È adorabile!Your baby just fell asleep. How cute!
- Ho appena visto il tuo gattino dormire. Sembra un angelo!I just saw your kitten sleeping. How cute!
- Il tuo vestito è così carino!Your dress is so cute!
- Come sei carino con quel cappellino!How cute you look with that little hat!
- Hai visto i cuccioli di cane nel parco? Sono adorabili!Have you seen the puppies in the park? They are adorable!
- Che carino questo gattino!How cute this little kitten is!
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Giulia are looking at a photo of a puppy.
- LorenzoGuarda questa foto, Giulia.Look at this photo, Giulia.
- GiuliaOh, che carino questo cucciolo!Oh, how cute this puppy is!
- LorenzoÈ davvero molto dolce.He is really very sweet.
- GiuliaLo voglio proprio!I really want him!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (che, carino) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries carino, che, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
