uccellino
/ut.t͡ʃelˈli.no/
The English phrase "little bird" is translated into Italian as uccellino.
uccellino is used to refer to a small bird. It is also used idiomatically in the phrase Me l'ha detto un uccellino, which means "A little bird told me." This idiom is used to indicate that you have obtained information from a secret or unnamed source.
What does it mean word for word?
The word uccellino is formed from uccello (bird) and the diminutive suffix -ino (little).
Which one should you use?
While uccellino is the general term for a little bird, Passerotto specifically refers to a little sparrow.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of uccellino is uccellini.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ut.tʃelˈli.no/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the word uccello and its diminutive uccellino are common slang terms for the penis. Using uccellino in the wrong context can lead to an accidental and humorous double entendre.
- While 'uccellino' is a general term, an Italian might use the specific word passerotto as a term of endearment for a child or a loved one, much like 'sweetheart'.
- In Italian, the suffix -ino doesn't just mean 'small' in size, but can also convey a sense of endearment or affection for the object.
Examples in context
- Me l'ha detto un uccellino.A little bird told me.This sentence shows the idiomatic use of uccellino to mean an unnamed source.Tatoeba #3414436 by Guybrush88, translation #327991 by CM
- L'uccellino dormirà nel suo nido.The little bird will be asleep in its nest.This sentence uses uccellino to describe a bird in its nest.Tatoeba #9755315 by Guybrush88, translation #9727151 by ariarin
- Si prese cura del povero uccellino.She took care of the poor little bird.This sentence uses uccellino to describe a bird being cared for.Tatoeba #388033 by Pharamp, translation #311093 by CK
- Guarda quel simpatico uccellino!Look at that cute little bird!
- Ho visto un passerotto sul mio balcone.I saw a little bird on my balcony.
- Guarda quell'uccellino carino, sembra un pupazzo!Look at that cute little bird, it looks like a stuffed toy!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Sofia are looking at a garden.
- MatteoGuarda quel piccolo uccellino sul ramo.Look at that little bird on the branch.
- SofiaÈ un uccellino molto colorato.It is a very colorful little bird.
- MatteoSpero che non abbia fame.I hope he is not hungry.
- SofiaSicuramente troverà qualcosa da mangiare.He will surely find something to eat.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry uccellino, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
