la mia ragazza
The Italian phrase for "my girlfriend" is la mia ragazza.
la mia ragazza is used to refer to a female partner in a romantic relationship. Although ragazza means "girl", it is the standard term for "girlfriend" when used in this romantic context.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "the my girl".
What mistakes should you avoid?
When translating from English, do not omit the definite article la. In Italian, the article is required before the possessive adjective in this context.
Did you know?
- Because ragazza originates from a word meaning 'rag' or 'tattered clothing', the word literally implies someone wearing rags.
- In formal or older contexts, some Italians use the word fidanzata. This specifically implies an engagement or a very serious relationship intended to lead to marriage.
- The definite article la in la mia ragazza is mandatory, but if you were talking about your mother mia madre, you would usually drop the article. This is a unique rule for family members versus romantic partners.
Examples in context
- È la mia ragazza.She is my girlfriend.This sentence is useful for identifying someone as your girlfriend.Tatoeba #1280528 by Guybrush88, translation #312168 by CK
- Sarai la mia ragazza?Will you be my girlfriend?This sentence is useful for asking someone to be your girlfriend.Tatoeba #11090716 by Guybrush88, translation #10161417 by espamatics
- Non è la mia ragazza.She's not my girlfriend.This sentence is useful for stating that someone is not your girlfriend.Tatoeba #12545070 by Guybrush88, translation #1935030 by Spamster
- La mia ragazza è molto intelligenteMy girlfriend is very intelligent
- La mia compagna mi fa feliceMy companion makes me happy
- La mia fidanzata è una brava cuocaMy girlfriend is a good cook
- La mia ragazza è andata al cinemaMy girlfriend went to the cinema
- Sono molto fortunato ad avere la mia dolce metàI'm very lucky to have my sweet half
- 86 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Francesco are walking in a park when they see a couple.
- GiuliaChi è quella ragazza?Who is that girl?
- FrancescoÈ la mia ragazza.She is my girlfriend.
- GiuliaOh, è molto bella!Oh, she is very beautiful!
- FrancescoGrazie, sei molto gentile.Thanks, you are very kind.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries la, ragazza, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
