la nanna
The English phrase "night night" can be translated into Italian as la nanna.
la nanna is used as a soothing and affectionate way to say goodnight, specifically when putting a child to sleep.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase la nanna literally means "the sleep" or "the nap", serving as an affectionate or diminutive form related to the concept of sleep.
Which one should you use?
While buonanotte is the standard way to say goodnight to anyone, la nanna is specifically reserved for the context of putting a child to bed. For a casual and abbreviated version of "night night", you might also use Notte.
Did you know?
- The word nanna is an example of reduplication, where a sound is repeated to create a soothing effect for infants, similar to how English uses 'bye-bye'.
- If you use la nanna with an adult in a serious setting, it can sound patronizing or mockingly infantile.
- The term nanna is closely related to the concept of a 'lullaby', which in Italian is called a ninna nanna.
Examples in context
- Buonanotte caraGoodnight dear
- Vai a fare la nanna.Go to bed, little one.
- Fai la nanna, tesoro.Go to sleep, sweetheart.
Example conversation
Sofia is putting young Francesco to bed.
- SofiaVieni qui, Francesco, è ora della nanna.Come here, Francesco, it's time for night night.
- FrancescoAncora una storia, per favore!One more story, please!
- SofiaSolo una, poi si fa la nanna.Just one, then it's time for night night.
- FrancescoVa bene, mamma.Okay, mama.
