birichino
/bi.riˈki.no/
The English word mischievous translates to the Italian adjective birichino.
Birichino is most commonly used to describe children who are being playful or slightly naughty, rather than being truly malicious. There are several informal alternatives depending on the specific type of mischief: Furbetto(a) describes someone who is crafty, clever and mischievous in a playful way. Biricchino(a) emphasizes a jolly, cheeky and playful nature of mischief, often used for children. And Scavezzacollo(a) describes someone who is exuberant, daring and sometimes mischievous in a reckless manner.
Meaning: naughty (adj)
Which one should you use?
While birichino is a standard way to describe playful naughtiness, monello is a common informal alternative that carries a slightly more 'rascal-like' sense.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term birichino and its variants like Furbetto(a), Biricchino(a) and Scavezzacollo(a) are informal. Similarly, monello is considered an informal word.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective changes based on gender and number: use birichina for the feminine singular, birichini for the masculine plural and the default birichino for the masculine singular.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /bi.riˈki.no/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- Depending on the tone of voice, calling an adult birichino can shift the meaning from being patronizing to being flirtatious.
- The word birichino likely originated from an Emilian dialect rather than from standard Italian.
- While birichino is for children, the word briccone is used for adults to describe a rogue or a scoundrel.
Examples in context
- Tom è birichino.Tom is mischievous.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use birichino.Tatoeba #2822013 by Guybrush88, translation #2821667 by CK
- Luca è sempre furbetto, trova un modo per evitare le regole.Luca is always mischievous, finding a way to bypass the rules.
- Ai miei nipoti piace giocare insieme, sono dei birichini!My nephews like playing together, they are mischievous kids!
- Il gatto è molto birichino.The cat is very naughty.
- Non essere così birichino oggi!Don't be so naughty today!
Example conversation
Sofia is talking to Lorenzo about his younger brother.
- SofiaCom'è tuo fratello minore?What is your younger brother like?
- LorenzoÈ un bambino molto birichino.He is a very mischievous boy.
- SofiaFa molti dispetti a casa?Does he play many tricks at home?
- LorenzoSì, non sta mai fermo.Yes, he never stays still.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry birichino, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries birichino, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
