i miei nonni
The English phrase "my grandparents" is translated into Italian as i miei nonni.
i miei nonni is the most common and neutral way to say "my grandparents" in Italian. While you use this phrase to talk about them, you can use nonno when directly addressing a grandfather.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "the my grandparents" because possessive adjectives in Italian require a definite article.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form i miei nonni is the masculine plural and is used when referring to a mixed-gender pair of a grandfather and a grandmother, or a group consisting only of grandfathers. If you are referring only to your grandmother, the phrase changes to the feminine singular mia nonna. If you are referring only to your grandfather, the phrase changes to the masculine singular mio nonno.
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'grandparents' for both sides of the family, Italians often distinguish between nonni paterni for the father's side and nonni materni for the mother's side.
- In Italy, the role of i nonni often extends to providing primary childcare, making them central figures in the daily household rather than occasional visitors.
- While nonno means 'grandfather', it is sometimes used as a playful or affectionate nickname for an older man regardless of his actual relationship to the speaker.
Examples in context
- Amo i miei nonni.I love my grandparents.This sentence is useful for expressing affection for i miei nonni.Tatoeba #11229812 by Guybrush88, translation #11229805 by ddnktr
- Questi sono i miei nonni.These are my grandparents.This sentence is useful for introducing i miei nonni.Tatoeba #10696845 by Guybrush88, translation #10696158 by tokzyk
- Che stanno facendo i miei nonni?What are my grandparents doing?This sentence is useful for asking about the current activities of i miei nonni.Tatoeba #4600259 by Guybrush88, translation #1134531 by Eldad
- I miei nonni sono italianiMy grandparents are Italian
- I miei nonni paterni abitano in SiciliaMy paternal grandparents live in Sicily
- Questa domenica andrò a trovare i nonniThis Sunday, I will visit my grandparents
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Chiara are talking about their weekend plans.
- MatteoDove vai questo fine settimana?Where are you going this weekend?
- ChiaraVado a trovare i miei nonni.I am going to visit my grandparents.
- MatteoChe bello! Vivono vicino a te?How nice! Do they live near you?
- ChiaraSì, i miei nonni vivono in centro.Yes, my grandparents live downtown.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
