Welcome to our guide on how to say “kid” in Italian! Whether you’re traveling to Italy or simply interested in learning the language, it’s always helpful to know how to address younger individuals. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to say “kid” in Italian, along with some regional variations if necessary. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal ways to say “kid” in Italian:
If you’re talking to someone in a formal setting or addressing a child respectfully, you might prefer using one of these terms:
Bambino / Bambina: These are the most common and neutral terms for a child in Italian. “Bambino” is used for a boy, while “bambina” is used for a girl, just like “boy” and “girl” in English. For example, “Il bambino gioca nel parco” translates to “The boy is playing in the park.”
Ragazzo / Ragazza: While strictly speaking, “ragazzo” means “boy” and “ragazza” means “girl,” they can also be used to refer to a young person. However, keep in mind that these terms lean towards teenage years rather than younger kids. For instance, “La ragazza ama leggere” means “The girl loves to read.”
Minore: This term is used to describe a child who is under a certain age, usually considered a minor. It is often used in legal or official contexts. For example, “I minori non possono guidare” means “Minors cannot drive.”
Informal ways to say “kid” in Italian:
If you’re in a casual setting or talking to kids directly, you might prefer more informal terms. Here are some popular options:
Ragazzino / Ragazzina: These terms are similar to “bambino” and “bambina,” but they have a more colloquial feel. They are commonly used to refer to a young boy or girl, respectively. For instance, “Il ragazzino sta giocando” translates to “The kid is playing.”
Piccolo / Piccola: Literally meaning “small” in Italian, these terms are often used informally to refer to a child. For example, “Vieni qui, piccolo” is equivalent to saying “Come here, kid.”
Bamboccio / Bamboccia: Although more playful in nature, these terms can be used affectionately to refer to a child. However, be careful when using them, as they can also have negative connotations. It’s always best to use them with people you know well. For instance, “Che bravo bamboccio!” means “What a clever kid!”
Regional variations:
Italian is spoken with various regional dialects and accents. While the terms mentioned above are universally understood, some regions may have their own unique expressions for “kid.” Let’s explore a few examples:
- Dialect: Neapolitan
Piccirillo / Piccirilla: In Naples, you might encounter these terms, which are similar to “ragazzino” and “ragazzina” but with a regional twist. For example, “Nu piccirillo curreva vicino ‘o mare” translates to “A kid was running near the sea.” - Dialect: Milanese
Bagatt: Derived from the Lombard dialect, this term is used in Milan to mean “kid.” For instance, “Che brav bagatt!” would be interpreted as “What a good kid!”
Remember, these regional variations are not necessary to know for everyday conversations in Italian, but they can be interesting if you plan to travel to specific regions in Italy.
We hope this guide has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of how to say “kid” in Italian. Whether you opt for the formal terms like “bambino” and “ragazzo” or the more informal ones like “ragazzino” and “piccolo,” you’ll be able to communicate effectively in various situations. Don’t forget to tailor your choice based on the formality of the context and your relationship with the child. Happy learning!
