mio fratello
/ˈmi.o fraˈtɛl.lo/word by word
The English phrase "my brother" is translated into Italian as mio fratello.
mio fratello is used to refer to a male sibling of the speaker.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to a singular, unmodified family member, Italian-speaking users omit the definite article before the possessive adjective. However, if you are referring to multiple brothers, the article must be restored, resulting in i miei fratelli.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of mio fratello is /ˈmi.o fraˈtɛl.lo/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying il mio fratello. While English speakers often include the article, in standard Italian, the article is dropped when referring to singular close relatives.
When do people say it?
Switching the order of the words to fratello mio can convey a sense of affection or importance, and is often used in poetic or expressive contexts.
Did you know?
- The word fratello is actually a diminutive form of the Latin word for brother, 'frāter'.
- If you use the phrase to describe a brother who is also a priest, you might hear people use the term fratel or frate instead.
- The word fratellastro is used specifically for a half-brother, distinguished from fratello to clarify that only one parent is shared.
Examples in context
- È mio fratello lì.That is my brother there.This sentence is useful for identifying someone as mio fratello.Tatoeba #13352137 by Guybrush88, translation #11177386 by SunnyMoon
- Tom è mio fratello.Tom is my brother.This sentence is useful for stating that someone is mio fratello.Tatoeba #2617914 by Guybrush88, translation #2273295 by CK
- Non è mio fratello.He's not my brother.This sentence is useful for denying that someone is mio fratello.Tatoeba #10214591 by Guybrush88, translation #9806534 by DJ_Saidez
- Fratello mio, sei la mia fonte di ispirazione giornaliera.My brother, you are my daily source of inspiration.
- Ho comprato un regalo per il mio fratellino.I bought a gift for my little brother.
- Ciao, fratellone! Come stai?Hey, bro! How are you?
- 576 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Martina are looking at an old photograph.
- MatteoQuesto è mio fratello.This is my brother.
- MartinaÈ molto simile a te.He is very similar to you.
- MatteoSì, mio fratello è molto simpatico.Yes, my brother is very nice.
- MartinaSembra un bravo ragazzo.He looks like a good guy.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (mio, fratello) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fratello, mio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
