Topolino
/to.poˈli.no/
Mickey Mouse in Italian is Topolino.
Topolino is the name used for the Disney character Mickey Mouse in Italy.
Meaning: Disney character (name)
What does it mean word for word?
The name is a diminutive of topo, meaning mouse, so Topolino literally means little mouse.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a proper noun, Topolino is typically capitalized.
How do you pronounce it?
/to.poˈli.no/. The word has 4 syllables and the stress is on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italy, Topolino is not just a character name but also the name of a very famous and long-running Disney comic book magazine. For generations of Italians, the name is synonymous with the weekly ritual of reading Disney comics.
- While Topolino is the character, Italian children often use the word topolino in a general sense to describe any cute or small mouse.
- While the English name uses 'Mickey', the Italian version relies on the diminutive suffix '-ino'. This makes the character sound much more endearing and 'cute' to Italian ears than the standard English name might suggest.
Examples in context
- Il mio personaggio preferito della Disney non è Topolino.My favourite Disney character is not Mickey Mouse.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference for a different Disney character using Topolino.Tatoeba #13354572 by Guybrush88, translation #10572370 by nonong
- Topolino è molto simpatico.Mickey Mouse is very cute.
- Ho comprato una maglietta con Topolino.I bought a T-shirt with Mickey Mouse.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a collection of stickers.
- MartinaGuarda questo adesivo di Topolino!Look at this Mickey Mouse sticker!
- FrancescoÈ bellissimo, Martina.It is beautiful, Martina.
- MartinaNe voglio un altro.I want another one.
- FrancescoAllora lo compriamo subito.Then let's buy it right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mickey mouse” translations and entries Topolino, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
