piccolo bimbo
/ˈpik.ko.lo ˈbim.bo/word by word
The English phrase "little baby" is translated into Italian as piccolo bimbo.
The phrase piccolo bimbo is used to refer to a very young child. It utilizes the adjective piccolo (small or little) to emphasize the age or size of the child.
Which one should you use?
Piccolo bimbo is the general term for a little baby, but if you are specifically referring to a newborn, the more precise term is un neonato.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes depending on the gender and number of the children. To refer to a female little baby, use piccola bimba. For multiple little babies, use the plural form piccoli bimbi.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈpik.ko.lo ˈbim.bo/. It has 5 syllables and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
When do people say it?
To show affection toward a baby, speakers may use the expressions amorcino (meaning sweetie) or tesorino (meaning little treasure).
Did you know?
- The English word 'bimbo' is a loanword from the Italian bimbo, but its meaning shifted from 'little boy' to describe a specific stereotype of a woman.
- In Italian, terms like amorcino and tesorino use a suffix to make the words 'love' and 'treasure' sound smaller and cuter.
- The word piccolo has a potential link to the Vulgar Latin word pittitus, which meant 'small' or 'worthless', similar to the history of the English word 'piece'.
Examples in context
- La tua piccola è adorabile!Your little one is adorable!
- Mamma mia, che splendido bimbo!Oh my, what a beautiful little baby!
- È un piccolo bimbo molto dolce.He is a very sweet little baby.
- Guarda quel piccolo bimbo che dorme.Look at that little baby sleeping.
- Il piccolo bimbo ha fame.The little baby is hungry.
Example conversation
Matteo and Giulia are visiting a friend's house.
- MatteoGuarda che carino questo piccolo bimbo!Look how cute this little baby is!
- GiuliaSì, è proprio adorabile, Matteo.Yes, he is really adorable, Matteo.
- MatteoQuanti mesi ha?How many months old is he?
- GiuliaHa solo tre mesi, Giulia.He is only three months old, Giulia.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (piccolo, bimbo) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bimbo, piccolo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
