genitori
The Italian phrase for "mother and father" is genitori.
genitori is used to refer to a person's parents as a single unit.
Which one should you use?
While the phrase madre e padre literally translates to "mother and father", the single word genitori is the standard way to refer to one's parents collectively.
How does it change in a sentence?
genitori is a masculine plural noun, which is used to refer to a group of parents regardless of the gender composition. The singular form of genitori is genitore, meaning "parent".
Did you know?
- While genitori is the standard term, the word parenti in Italian does not mean 'parents' but rather 'relatives' in general.
- In many Italian families, if you refer to your 'genitori', you are using a term that sounds quite formal or even clinical. In a warm, domestic setting, children are much more likely to use the affectionate terms 'mamma' and 'papà' instead.
- The word genitori shares a Latin root with the English word 'generate', as both stem from the Latin genus meaning 'kind' or 'origin'.
Examples in context
- I miei genitori vivono in Italia.My parents live in Italy.
- Devo chiamare i miei genitori.I have to call my parents.
- I tuoi genitori sono molto gentili.Your parents are very kind.
Example conversation
Giulia and Lorenzo are talking about their families.
- GiuliaQuando vedi i tuoi genitori?When do you see your parents?
- LorenzoVado a trovarli questo fine settimana.I am going to visit them this weekend.
- GiuliaI miei genitori vengono a trovarmi domani.My parents are coming to visit me tomorrow.
- LorenzoChe bello, divertitevi molto!How nice, have a lot of fun!
