mio figlio
/ˈmi.o ˈfiʎ.ʎo/word by word
The English phrase "my son" is translated into Italian as mio figlio.
mio figlio is used to refer to a male child of the speaker.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to singular family members, the definite article is omitted, so do not say il mio figlio. To refer to multiple children (including a group of sons or a mixed group of sons and daughters), use the plural form i miei figli.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈmi.o ˈfiʎ.ʎo/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not include the article il before mio figlio. English speakers often make this mistake, but in Italian, the article is omitted for singular family members.
Did you know?
- The word figlio is distantly related to the English word 'suck', as it derives from a root meaning 'to suck' or 'to nurse'.
- While you do not use an article for mio figlio, if you were to use an adjective like 'bel' (beautiful) to describe him, you would have to bring the article back and say il mio bel figlio.
- If you were to call someone 'mio figlio' in a patronizing or overly familiar way in Italy, it could be perceived as much more insulting or condescending than in English.
Examples in context
- Tom è mio figlio.Tom is my son.This sentence is useful for identifying who Tom is using mio figlio.Tatoeba #2617910 by Guybrush88, translation #2273318 by CK
- Non è mio figlio.He isn't my son.This sentence is useful for denying that someone is mio figlio.Tatoeba #8486932 by Guybrush88, translation #8479187 by CH
- Ziri è mio figlio.Ziri is my son.This sentence is useful for identifying who Ziri is using mio figlio.Tatoeba #12429696 by Guybrush88, translation #10216069 by Amastan
- Ho sempre ammirato mio figlio per la sua determinazione e gentilezza.I have always admired my son for his determination and kindness.
- 293 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two parents are talking about their children at a park.
- FrancescoQuesto è mio figlio, Marco.This is my son, Marco.
- GiuliaÈ molto carino, Francesco.He is very cute, Francesco.
- FrancescoGrazie, Giulia. È un bravo bambino.Thanks, Giulia. He is a good boy.
- GiuliaAnche mio figlio gioca con lui.My son plays with him too.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (mio, figlio) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries figlio, mio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
