la Befana
/la beˈfa.na/word by word
la Befana is the Italian phrase for the folklore figure known as the Befana.
This phrase refers to a folklore figure in Italy who delivers gifts to children on Epiphany Eve.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a proper noun, the name is typically capitalized in Italian.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /la beˈfa.na/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd of 3 syllables.
When do people say it?
The Befana is a folklore figure who visits children on the night of January 5th to deliver sweets or coal.
Did you know?
- The name Befana is a linguistic 'doublet' of the word Epifania, meaning both words evolved from the same Greek root epipháneia but developed into two different Italian terms.
- The phrase la Befana is sometimes used to describe a woman who is old and wrinkled, as she is traditionally portrayed as an elderly woman with a crooked nose.
- Unlike the static nature of Santa Claus, la Befana is often depicted as a broom-riding witch who cleans the house as she delivers gifts.
Examples in context
- La Befana vien di notte, con le scarpe tutte rotte, col cappello alla romana, viva, viva la Befana!La Befana comes during the night with worn-out shoes and a Roman-style hat.
- Credi nella Befana?Do you believe in La Befana?
- Certo! La Befana è fantastica!Of course! La Befana is fantastic!
- La Befana porta i dolci ai bambini.The Befana brings sweets to the children.
- I bambini aspettano la Befana.The children are waiting for la Befana.
Example conversation
Sofia and Lorenzo are talking about holiday traditions.
- SofiaTi ricordi la Befana?Do you remember la Befana?
- LorenzoSì, la Befana portava sempre dei cioccolatini.Yes, la Befana always brought chocolates.
- SofiaLorenzo, era una tradizione bellissima.Lorenzo, it was a beautiful tradition.
- LorenzoÈ vero, mi piace molto questa storia.It's true, I like this story very much.
