piccola
/ˈpik.ko.la/
piccola is the Italian word for small or little.
piccola is an adjective used to describe something that is small or little in size. It is the feminine form of the adjective.
Which one should you use?
piccola is used specifically when the noun being described is feminine. Use the masculine form piccolo for masculine nouns.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the adjective changes based on the gender and number of the noun it describes. Use piccolo for masculine singular, piccola for feminine singular, piccoli for masculine plural and piccole for feminine plural.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 1st syllable. The IPA is /ˈpik.ko.la/.
Did you know?
- Using 'piccola' to describe a person can be much more intimate than in English. While calling someone 'little' in English can sometimes feel patronizing, in Italian, calling a partner 'piccola' is a standard, romantic way to say 'baby' or 'darling'.
- In Italian music terminology, you may encounter piccolo to describe a 'small' instrument, such as the 'piccolo' flute. Even though it is a specific musical instrument, the name reflects its diminutive scale compared to other flutes.
- Italians often use piccola in the phrase piccola bugia to describe a 'white lie', implying the lie is harmless.
Examples in context
- La sua azienda è una piccola impresa di successo.Her company is a successful small business.
- Questo ristorante ha una sala di dimensioni ridotte ma molto accogliente.This restaurant has a small but very cozy dining room.
- Voglio mangiare una pizza piccina stasera.I want to eat a small pizza tonight.
- Questa borsa è molto piccola.This bag is very small.
- Ho comprato una piccola casa.I bought a small house.
- La chiave è troppo piccola.The key is too small.
Example conversation
Sofia is looking at a souvenir in a shop.
- LorenzoTi piace questa sedia?Do you like this chair?
- SofiaNo, è troppo piccola per me.No, it is too small for me.
- LorenzoHai ragione, Sofia.You are right, Sofia.
- SofiaCerchiamo una versione più grande.Let's look for a larger version.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry piccola, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
