caro mio
/ˈka.ro ˈmi.o/word by word
In Italian, "my dear" is translated as caro mio.
The phrase is a term of endearment used to address someone close to the speaker. It can be used to express genuine affection, but it is also frequently used in a patronizing or condescending manner to suggest that the speaker is superior to the listener.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective caro (dear/expensive) and the possessive adjective mio (my).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because caro is an adjective, it must agree in gender with the person being addressed: use cara mia for a woman and caro mio for a man. To address a group of people, the phrase changes to the masculine plural form cari miei or the feminine plural care mie.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈka.ro ˈmi.o/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- In many Italian regions, using caro mio with a stranger can sound incredibly sarcastic or even aggressive rather than warm.
- Because caro shares its root with the English word 'charity', there is a linguistic connection to the concept of being 'dear' to one's heart or being precious.
- In a formal business context, using caro mio would be a major social error, as it is far too intimate for professional settings.
Examples in context
- Caro mio, non essere timido!My dear, don't be shy!This sentence shows how to use caro mio when encouraging someone.Tatoeba #4018495 by Guybrush88, translation #2263579 by Ninche
- Francamente, caro mio, non me ne frega nulla!Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn!This sentence illustrates a more blunt or forceful use of caro mio.Tatoeba #3847024 by Guybrush88, translation #1557097 by Spamster
- Cara MariaMy dear Maria
- Ascolta, caro mio, devi riposare un po'.Listen, my dear, you need to rest a bit.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro is feeling unwell and Martina is looking after him.
- MartinaTi senti meglio ora, caro mio?Do you feel better now, my dear?
- AlessandroUn po', ma ho ancora un po' di febbre.A bit, but I still have a bit of a fever.
- MartinaAllora bevi questa tisana calda.Then drink this warm herbal tea.
- AlessandroGrazie mille, Martina, sei molto gentile.Thank you so much, Martina, you are very kind.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (caro, mio) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caro, mio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
