anatroccolo
/a.naˈtrɔk.ko.lo/
The English phrase "patito" can be translated into Italian as anatroccolo.
anatroccolo refers to a small, young duck.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 5 syllables: /a.naˈtrɔk.ko.lo/. The stress is on the third syllable.
Did you know?
- While anatroccolo is the precise term for a duckling, Italians often use the word paperino to refer to a cute or small duck, often in a metaphorical or affectionate sense.
- The root word anatra shares a linguistic history with the Greek word for 'duck', which has influenced various Mediterranean dialects and scientific names.
Example conversation
Sofia and Lorenzo are walking by a pond in a park.
- SofiaLorenzo, guarda quell'anatroccolo giallo!Lorenzo, look at that yellow duckling!
- LorenzoÈ piccolissimo e molto dolce.It is tiny and very sweet.
- SofiaSpero che non si perda.I hope it doesn't get lost.
- LorenzoNo, la mamma è proprio lì.No, the mother is right there.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry anatroccolo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
