parenti
The English phrase "relatives" is translated into Italian as parenti.
parenti is used to refer to people who are connected to you by blood or marriage.
Which one should you use?
While parenti refers to all relatives, the specific word for one's parents is genitori.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of parenti is parente (relative).
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use parenti to mean "parents", but it actually means "relatives".
Did you know?
- The Italian word parenti shares the same Latin root as the English word 'parent', but its meaning expanded to cover all kin rather than narrowing to just a mother and father.
- While English speakers often say 'my parents' to refer to their immediate family, an Italian might say i miei to refer to their 'parents' or 'close family' in a shorthand way.
- In Italy, the term parenti is often used in a broader social sense to include very close family friends who are treated as kin, even without a blood connection.
Examples in context
- Ho parenti a Milano.I have relatives in Milan.This sentence is useful for stating where your relatives live.Tatoeba #791266 by Pharamp, translation #791264 by CN
- Loro sono tuoi parenti?Are they your relatives?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is a relative of another person.Tatoeba #5430233 by Guybrush88, translation #1495839 by CK
- Non siamo suoi parenti.We are not her relatives.This sentence is useful for stating that you are not someone's relatives.Tatoeba #7806314 by Guybrush88, translation #7805683 by sharris123
- Sua madreYour mother (formal)
- 77 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Chiara are talking about an upcoming family wedding.
- LorenzoCi saranno molti parenti al matrimonio.There will be many relatives at the wedding.
- ChiaraSì, tutta la tua famiglia sarà presente.Yes, your whole family will be present.
- LorenzoI miei parenti vengono da molto lontano.My relatives are coming from very far away.
- ChiaraAllora sarà una bellissima festa per tutti.Then it will be a beautiful celebration for everyone.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
