birichina
The English phrase 'naughty girl' can be translated into Italian as birichina.
The term birichina refers to a girl who is playfully mischievous or disobedient in a harmless way. It is most commonly used for children or in a lighthearted, flirtatious context between adults.
Which one should you use?
While birichina implies playful mischief, it should not be confused with cattiva, which implies actual badness or malice and is much stronger. Other ways to express this include Ragazza birichina, Ragazza dispettosa or Ragazza monella, which all capture a playful or misbehaving nature.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a group of girls, use the plural form birichine.
Did you know?
- In some regional Italian dialects, the concept of being 'naughty' is expressed through words related to 'saltare' or jumping, describing a child as someone who cannot stay still.
- The word monella shares a root with words for 'doll' or 'little thing', framing the child's mischief as a cute physical trait.
- The term birichino is a common way to gently scold pets that have stolen food or chewed up shoes.
Examples in context
- Mia sorella è davvero birichina, ma è impossibile non amarla.My sister is really naughty, but it's impossible not to love her.
- Non posso resistere a quella ragazza monella, è così divertente!I can't resist that misbehaving girl, she's so fun!
- Quella bambina è molto birichina.That little girl is very naughty.
- Non fare la birichina!Don't be a naughty girl!
- La mia gatta è una birichina.My cat is a naughty girl.
Example conversation
Matteo and Martina are playing with their young daughter in the garden.
- MatteoGuarda cosa ha fatto, è una birichina!Look what she did, she is a naughty girl!
- MartinaSì, è davvero molto birichina oggi.Yes, she is really very naughty today.
- MatteoVuoi un altro biscotto, piccola birichina?Do you want another cookie, little naughty girl?
- MartinaMatteo, non viziarla troppo!Matteo, don't spoil her too much!
