fratellino
/fra.telˈli.no/
The Italian phrase for little brother is fratellino.
Fratellino is a term used to refer to a male sibling who is younger than the speaker. While it specifically refers to a younger brother, it is also frequently used as a term of endearment for a brother of any age.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed by combining fratello (brother) with the diminutive suffix -ino (little).
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of fratellino is fratellini.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable: /fra.telˈli.no/.
Did you know?
- Calling someone fratellino in a sarcastic tone can actually be used to mock someone for being acting childish or weak.
- The Italian language has several diminutive suffixes besides -ino, such as -etto, meaning a fratelletto is also a 'little brother' but carries a slightly different tone of sweetness.
- Italians sometimes use fratellino or fratello metaphorically to describe a very close friend, similar to the English 'brother from another mother'.
Examples in context
- Tom ha un fratellino.Tom has a little brother.This sentence shows how to state that someone has a fratellino.Tatoeba #10918555 by Guybrush88, translation #10282588 by CM
- Io volevo un fratellino.I wanted a little brother.This sentence expresses a desire for having a fratellino.Tatoeba #13351807 by Guybrush88, translation #10820382 by ddnktr
- Dov'è il mio fratellino?Where's my little brother?This sentence is used to ask for the location of one's fratellino.Tatoeba #13352132 by Guybrush88, translation #11827825 by nana2capriccio
- Ciao, fratellino! Come stai?Hi, little brother! How are you?
- Ho un fratello minore di dieci anni.I have a younger brother who is ten years old.
- Mi dispiace, fratellino. Non posso venire alla tua partita.I'm sorry, little brother. I can't come to your game.
- 38 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Martina are talking about their families at a cafe.
- LorenzoHai un fratellino, Martina?Do you have a little brother, Martina?
- MartinaSì, ho un fratellino di cinque anni.Yes, I have a five-year-old little brother.
- LorenzoÈ molto carino il tuo fratellino!Your little brother is very cute!
- MartinaGrazie, Lorenzo, è davvero dolce.Thanks, Lorenzo, he is really sweet.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry fratellino, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
