gemelli
/d͡ʒeˈmɛl.li/
The Italian word for twins is gemelli.
gemelli is used to describe two children born at the same birth. This word also functions as a noun to refer to the constellation Gemini.
Which one should you use?
The form used depends on the gender of the twins: gemelli is used for two males or a mixed-gender pair, while gemelle is used specifically for two females. For an affectionate or informal way to refer to small or young twins, you can use Gemmellini.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes based on gender and number. Use gemelli for a pair of male twins or a mixed-gender pair. Use the feminine plural gemelle for two female twins. If you are referring to a single female twin, use the singular form gemella.
How do you pronounce it?
/dʒeˈmɛl.li/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian cuisine, gemelli refers to a type of short, twisted pasta that looks like two intertwined strands of spaghetti.
- The word gemelli shares the same Latin root as the English word 'geminate', which refers to things occurring in pairs.
- The phrase fare i gemelli can be used colloquially to describe two people who dress exactly alike, regardless of whether they are related.
Examples in context
- Tom e Mary sono gemelli.Tom and Mary are twins.This sentence shows how to say Tom and Mary are twins using gemelli.Tatoeba #5005818 by Guybrush88, translation #2252537 by CK
- Dan e Linda sono gemelli.Dan and Linda are twins.This sentence shows how to say Dan and Linda are twins using gemelli.Tatoeba #4047170 by Guybrush88, translation #3951558 by Amastan
- I miei figli sono gemelli.My children are twins.This sentence shows how to say my children are twins using gemelli.Tatoeba #1744448 by Guybrush88, translation #1744418 by Djef_Messaoudi
- I gemelli sono adorabiliThe twins are adorable
- Quei gemmellini sono davvero cariniThose little twins are really cute
- 50 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Martina are looking at a photo of some children.
- LorenzoGuarda, questi bambini sono gemelli!Look, these children are twins!
- MartinaSì, si somigliano moltissimo.Yes, they look very much alike.
- LorenzoSono gemelli identici o diversi?Are they identical or fraternal twins?
- MartinaCredo che siano identici.I think they are identical.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry Gemelli.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
