orsetto
/orˈset.to/
The English phrase "little bear" is translated into Italian as orsetto.
orsetto refers to a small bear or a toy bear.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed by combining orso (bear) with the diminutive suffix -etto (little).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word changes based on gender and number: orsetta is the feminine form used to refer to a female bear or a female toy bear, orsetti is the masculine plural form for little bears and orsette is the feminine plural form for little female bears.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable. The IPA pronunciation is /orˈset.to/.
Did you know?
- In Italy, the term orsetto is frequently used as a sweet pet name for a romantic partner or a child, similar to 'honey' or 'sweetie' in English.
- The word orso is used in the Italian idiom fare l'orso, which describes someone who is grumpy or avoids social interaction, like a 'loner'.
- The diminutive suffix -etto in orsetto comes directly from the Latin '-ittus'.
Examples in context
- Ho un orsetto molto carino!I have a very cute little bear!
- La mia orsetta è adorabile!My little bear is adorable!
- Il mio orsetto è molto morbido.My little bear is very soft.
- Hai visto il nuovo orsetto di Sofia?Have you seen Sofia's new little bear?
- Ho comprato un orsetto di peluche.I bought a teddy bear.
Example conversation
A mother and daughter are in a toy store.
- AlessandroVuoi comprare questo orsetto, Sofia?Do you want to buy this little bear, Sofia?
- SofiaSì, è bellissimo!Yes, it is beautiful!
- AlessandroAllora lo prendiamo per te.Then we will get it for you.
- SofiaGrazie, papà!Thank you, daddy!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry orsetto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries orsetto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
