nipote
/niˈpo.te/masculine
The Italian word for nephew is nipote.
Nipote refers to a fraternal or sororal nephew. It is important to note that this single word is also used to mean grandson or granddaughter, so you must rely on the context of the conversation to distinguish whether the speaker is referring to a nephew or a grandchild.
Meaning: fraternal or sororal nephew (noun)
Which one should you use?
While nipote is the standard term, the diminutive nipotino is used in informal settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form is nipoti, which can refer to a group of nephews, nieces, grandsons or granddaughters, regardless of whether the group is mixed gender or all the same gender.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /niˈpo.te/.
Did you know?
- The word nipote shares a common ancestor with the Persian word for grandchild, نوه.
- Because nipote is ambiguous, Italians often specify the relationship by saying nipote di zio for a nephew or nipote di nonno for a grandchild.
- The term nipote is used in Italian to describe the specific relationship of a 'great-nephew' as well, usually adding the word bisnipote.
Examples in context
- Tom è tuo nipote?Is Tom your nephew?This sentence is useful for asking if Tom is your nipote.Tatoeba #3594307 by Guybrush88, translation #2648099 by CK
- È tuo nipote, vero?He's your nephew, isn't he?This sentence is useful for confirming if someone is your nipote.Tatoeba #8702455 by Guybrush88, translation #8527098 by CH
- Questo è mio nipote.This is my nephew.This sentence is useful for introducing someone as your nipote.Tatoeba #10701313 by Guybrush88, translation #10701243 by AlanF_US
- Ho avuto l'opportunità di vedere mio nipote oggi.I had the chance to see my nephew today.
- 44 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Martina are looking at a photo on a phone.
- MatteoChi è quel bambino?Who is that child?
- MartinaÈ mio nipote, Luca.He is my nephew, Luca.
- MatteoÈ molto carino.He is very cute.
- MartinaGrazie, è un bravo bambino.Thank you, he is a good boy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nephew” translations and entries nipote, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nipote, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
