carinissimo
The Italian phrase for "very cute" is carinissimo.
The phrase is used to describe someone or something that is extremely adorable or attractive.
Which one should you use?
While molto carino translates to "very cute", the superlative form carinissimo is more emphatic and is the more natural way to express "extremely cute" in spoken Italian.
How does it change in a sentence?
The superlative form changes its ending to match the gender and number of the noun being described. Use carinissimo for masculine singular, carinissima for feminine singular, carinissimi for masculine plural and carinissime for feminine plural. Similarly, in the phrase molto carino, the ending o is for masculine nouns, while the ending a is for feminine nouns.
Did you know?
- The root word caro meaning 'dear' is also used to describe something expensive. If you call a hotel carissimo, you might be saying it is 'very expensive' rather than 'very cute'.
- In a sarcastic tone, carinissimo can be used to describe a gesture that is actually condescending or 'too cute for its own good'. It functions similarly to saying 'how sweet' when you are actually annoyed.
- The word carino is a diminutive of caro. In Italian, adding the suffix -ino often makes a word feel smaller or more affectionate, effectively building 'cuteness' into the grammar itself.
Examples in context
- Il tuo vestito è molto carino.Your dress is very cute.
- Il tuo gattino è molto carino.Your kitten is very cute.
- Il tuo bambino è adorabilissimo!Your baby is absolutely adorable!
- La tua cagnolina è adorabilissima!Your little dog is incredibly cute!
- Guarda il cucciolo, è carinissimo!Look at the puppy, it's so cute!
- Ti trovo carinissima in quella gonna.I think you look absolutely adorable in that skirt.
- Il tuo nuovo cagnolino è bellissimo!Your new little dog is so cute!
- Quel gattino è carinissimo.That little kitten is very cute.
- Il tuo nuovo vestito è carinissimo.Your new dress is very cute.
- Il bambino è carinissimo con quel cappellino.The baby is very cute with that little hat.
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Sofia are looking at a photo of a puppy.
- LorenzoGuarda questo cucciolo, è carinissimo!Look at this puppy, it is very cute!
- SofiaSì, Lorenzo, è davvero adorabile.Yes, Lorenzo, it is truly adorable.
- LorenzoVoglio portarlo a casa subito.I want to take it home right now.
- SofiaSei sempre così impulsivo!You are always so impulsive!
