poverino
masculine
In Italian, the phrase "poor thing" can be translated using several forms, most commonly poverino. Wiktionary also lists poverina and poveraccio.
Meaning: someone or something to be pitied (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| poverino | masculine | |
| poverina | feminine | |
| poveraccio | /po.veˈrat.t͡ʃo/ | masculine |
| poveraccia | /po.veˈrat.t͡ʃa/ | feminine |
| poveretto | /po.veˈret.to/ | masculine |
These terms are used to refer to someone or something that deserves pity. The choice of word depends on whether you are expressing genuine sympathy or if you are being mocking.
Which one should you use?
The forms poverino and poverina are used to express genuine sympathy or endearment, and are frequently used when speaking about children or animals. In contrast, poveraccio and poveraccia carry a derogatory tone, implying that the subject is a pathetic, unlucky or contemptible wretch.
How does it change in a sentence?
All forms must agree in gender with the person or thing being pitied. The masculine singular forms are poverino, poveraccio and poveretto, while the feminine singular forms are poverina and poveraccia.
Did you know?
- The word povero is the root for many English words, such as 'pauper' or 'impoverish', making the Italian concept of a 'poor thing' etymologically familiar.
- The suffix in poveraccio is not just a label for being poor, but a grammatical tool used to transform a neutral word into something insulting or contemptible.
- While poverino expresses sympathy, using the diminutive form for an adult can sometimes backfire and sound patronizing or condescending rather than kind.
Examples in context
- Poveretto!Poor thing!This sentence shows how to use poveretto as an exclamation.Tatoeba #2701384 by Guybrush88, translation #2701383 by mccarras
- Ha passato un momento difficile. È un povero ragazzo.He went through a tough time. He's such a poor thing.
- Hai perso la partita? Poverino, ti capisco.You lost the game? Poor thing, I understand you.
- Hanno perso tutto nell'incendio. Poveracci.They lost everything in the fire. Poor things.
- Il poverino è rimasto senza lavoro.The poor thing lost his job.
- Guarda quel poverino, sembra molto triste.Look at that poor thing, he looks very sad.
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Chiara are talking about a stray dog they saw in the street.
- LorenzoHai visto quel cane? È un poverino.Did you see that dog? He is a poor thing.
- ChiaraSì, sembra avere molta fame.Yes, he looks very hungry.
- LorenzoMi dispiace molto per lui.I feel very sorry for him.
- ChiaraDobbiamo dargli qualcosa da mangiare.We must give him something to eat.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “poor thing” translations and entries poverino, poverina, poveraccio, poveraccia, poveretto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries poveraccio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
