cotta giovanile
The English phrase "puppy love" is translated into Italian as cotta giovanile.
This term is used to describe a youthful infatuation with another person.
Meaning: youthful infatuation with another person (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of cotta (crush/infatuation) and giovanile (youthful).
Which one should you use?
The phrase amor di gioventù is a more poetic or literary way to express the concept of youthful love.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'a puppy love', use the feminine indefinite article 'una' because 'cotta' is a feminine noun.
Did you know?
- The word cotta shares its root with the word for 'cooked' (cotto). Being in love is metaphorically described as being 'cooked' or 'boiled' by passion.
- In Italian, the word cotta can also refer to a specific type of short white liturgical vestment worn by clergy, though the two meanings are entirely unrelated.
- When a 'puppy love' evolves into a serious relationship, Italians use the verb maturare, implying that the love is 'ripening' like a piece of fruit.
Examples in context
- Era solo una cotta giovanile.It was just puppy love.
- Non dimenticherà mai la sua prima cotta giovanile.He will never forget his first puppy love.
- Tutti hanno avuto una cotta giovanile da adolescenti.Everyone had a puppy love as teenagers.
Example conversation
Matteo and Martina are talking about their childhood crushes.
- MatteoTi ricordi di quel ragazzo a scuola?Do you remember that boy at school?
- MartinaSì, ma era solo una cotta giovanile.Yes, but it was just puppy love.
- MatteoPensavo che fosse amore vero!I thought it was true love!
- MartinaNo, Matteo, eravamo troppo piccoli.No, Matteo, we were too young.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cotta, giovanile, CC BY-SA 4.0.
