tesoro
/teˈzɔ.ro/
The English phrase sweetie can be translated into Italian as tesoro.
Tesoro is a versatile term of endearment used to address people you love. It is commonly used for romantic partners, children or even close friends. Other informal options for expressing endearment include Caro (dear) and Amore (love).
What does it mean word for word?
The word tesoro literally means treasure.
Which one should you use?
While tesoro functions similarly to sweetie, it is slightly more versatile because it can be used for a wide range of relationships, including romantic partners, children and close friends.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Neapolitan dialect, the informal expression Ammore mio is used to address loved ones.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of tesoro is tesori.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of tesoro is /teˈzɔ.ro/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- In some Italian contexts, the word tesoro can be used ironically by a parent to a child who is being particularly difficult or 'precious'.
- The word tesoro is a direct descendant of the Latin word thēsaurus, which originally referred to a 'storehouse' where valuables were kept.
- In Italy, if you call a child tesoro, it is seen as a standard affectionate term, but using it toward a stranger can sometimes be perceived as overly familiar or patronizing.
Examples in context
- Ciao, tesoro!Hi, sweetie!
- Mi manchi, tesoro.I miss you, sweetie.
- Sei il mio tesoro.You are my sweetie.
Example conversation
Giulia and Francesco are talking on the phone in the evening.
- GiuliaCiao, tesoro, come va?Hi, sweetie, how is it going?
- FrancescoTutto bene, Giulia, e tu?Everything is fine, Giulia, and you?
- GiuliaSto bene, ma sono stanca.I am fine, but I am tired.
- FrancescoRiposati un po', tesoro.Rest a bit, sweetie.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tesoro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tesoro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
