Babbo Natale
/ˌbab.bo.naˈta.le/masculine
The English phrase 'santa claus' is translated into Italian as Babbo Natale. Wiktionary also lists Papà Natale and Padre Natale.
Meaning: fictional figure (name)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Babbo Natale | /ˌbab.bo.naˈta.le/ | masculine |
| Papà Natale | masculine, rare | |
| Padre Natale | masculine, rare |
Babbo Natale is the name used in almost all commercial, festive and colloquial contexts regarding the Christmas figure in Italy.
What does it mean word for word?
The term Babbo Natale literally translates to 'Daddy Christmas' or 'Grandpa Christmas', where Babbo is an affectionate term for father.
Which one should you use?
While Babbo Natale is the standard and most common name used in Italy, Padre Natale and Papà Natale are much rarer and sound more formal or archaic.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˌbab.bo.naˈta.le/. It has 5 syllables, with the stress on the 4th syllable.
Did you know?
- In some Italian regions, Babbo Natale is accompanied by la Befana, a folklore witch who delivers gifts on January 6.
- While Babbo Natale is the standard, the word babbo can also mean 'fool' or 'simpleton' in certain Italian contexts, specifically as the word babbeo.
- While Babbo Natale is the standard name in Italy, the word babbo is used more frequently as a term of endearment for fathers in Tuscany than in other Italian regions.
Examples in context
- Babbo Natale fu qui.Santa Claus was here.This sentence shows how to use Babbo Natale in a past tense context.Tatoeba #13663318 by Guybrush88, translation #9444600 by Cabo
- Crede a Babbo Natale.He believes in Santa Claus.This sentence demonstrates the verb usage with Babbo Natale.Tatoeba #1332786 by Guybrush88, translation #290054 by CK
- Babbo Natale è reale?Is Santa Claus real?This sentence is a way to ask a question regarding the reality of Babbo Natale.Tatoeba #3176309 by Guybrush88, translation #2705452 by WestofEden
- 109 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Chiara are decorating a Christmas tree in their living room.
- AlessandroDove abbiamo messo la lettera per Babbo Natale?Where did we put the letter for Santa Claus?
- ChiaraÈ sopra il camino, Alessandro.It is on the mantelpiece, Alessandro.
- AlessandroSpero che Babbo Natale legga tutto.I hope Santa Claus reads it all.
- ChiaraCerto, lui è molto attento.Of course, he is very attentive.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “santa claus” translations and entries Babbo Natale, Papà Natale, Padre Natale, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
