Italian is a melodic, expressive, and romantic language. Interesting fact: the world’s most famous (and notorious) seducer, Casanova, was from the city of Venice, though it should be mentioned that due to his unhinged lifestyle, he had to flee from Venice and go to France.
In this article, we will explore a variety of Italian terms of endearment and affection, some for romantic situations and others for platonic ones.
Before we proceed to talking about declaring love, flirting and complimenting someone in Italian, let’s learn what the different people involved in a romantic relationship are called in Italian.
Italian word | translation |
---|---|
ragazza | girlfriend |
ragazzo | boyfriend |
fidanzato | in a steady, serious relationship |
fidanzata | in a steady, serious relationship |
compagno | partner |
compagna | partner |
marito | husband |
moglie | wife |
Have a look at the following table, and get ready to expand your vocabulary with Italian “nomignoli” (nicknames) you can use with your Italian partner and loves ones.
Italian term of endearment | translation |
---|---|
amore | love |
amore mio | my love |
tesoro | sweetheart (literally, treasure) |
tesoro mio | sweetheart (literally, my treasure) |
gioia | sweetheart (literally, joy) |
angelo | angel |
mio angelo | my angel |
piccolo, piccola | little one |
caro | dear |
caro mio | my dear |
cara | darling |
mia cara | my darling |
principessa | princess |
principe | prince |
mio amato, mia amata | my beloved |
cucciolo, cucciola | honey (literally, puppy) |
stella | honey (literally, star) |
stellina | honey (literally, little star) |
bellissimo, bellissima | beautiful |
cuore mio | my heart |
vita mia | my life |
baby | baby |
bambolina | little doll |
zuccherino | sugar |
polpetta | meatball |
topolino, topolina | little mouse |
paperino | gander |
paperina | little duck |
passerotto | sparrow |
orsacchiotto | teddy bear |
patatino, patatina | little potato |
English speakers usually call their friends “buddy,” “bro,” “mate,” “dude,” or “pal.” Let’s learn the Italian equivalents and other terms of endearment and affection that don’t involve a romantic interest or attraction.
Italian nickname for friends | translation |
---|---|
fratello | brother |
fra | bro |
sorella | sister |
sorè | sis |
zio | mate (literally, uncle) |
zia | mate (literally, aunt) |
compa (short for compagno) | buddy |
bello | handsome |
bella | beautiful |
grande | dude (literally, great) |
bomber | buddy (literally, goalscorer) |
ciccio, ciccia | buddy (literally, chubby) |
campione | buddy (literally, champion) |
carissimo, carissima | dear |
raga | guys |
Royal terms like “principessa” (princess), and “principino” (little prince) are frequently used as terms of endearment and sweet nicknames for children.
Now, let’s learn the most common ways to express love and affection in Italian to your significant other. Before we proceed, it’s crucial to know that there are different degrees of affection, and appropriate expressions for each.
There are two different ways to say “I love you” in Italian, and they are not interchangeable.
1 Ti voglio beneThe phrase “ti voglio bene” is used to express love to family members, and close friends. You can also use it in uncommitted relationships, with someone you are just dating casually, or when the relationship has just started.
2 Ti amo“Ti voglio bene” is much less serious than “ti amo,” which is very strong and means that you love someone romantically.
Let’s have a look at other phrases to tell someone you like or love them, ranked in order of romanticness.
3 Mi piaciSaying “mi piaci” to someone means that you find them nice.
4 Ti adoro“Ti adoro” is considered a very sweet thing to say to someone you like.
5 Sei speciale e importante per meIf you are dating someone who is becoming more and more important to you, tell them “sei speciale e importante per me.”
6 Ho bisogno di teIf you want to tell someone that you need them, use this sweet sentence.
7 Sei tutto per meWhen you love someone dearly, use this sentence to express very deep feelings towards them.
Other very romantic phrases are:
8 Non posso vivere senza di teHere we have collected useful phrases that you can use to express love and affection to a close friend, family member, and even pet animal.
Italian phrase | translation |
---|---|
ti voglio bene, mamma | i love you, mom |
ti voglio bene, papà | i love you, dad |
ti voglio bene, nonna | i love you, grandma |
ti voglio bene, nonno | i love you, grandpa |
vi voglio bene | i love you all |
ti voglio bene, amico mio | i love you, my friend |
ti voglio bene, amica mia | i love you, my friend |
The phrase “ti voglio bene” literally means “I want you well” in Italian. In this case, the little word “ti” is an indirect object pronoun.
Here are some phrases and questions that you can use to start flirting with someone in Italian.
1 Ti ha mai detto nessuno che hai degli occhi bellissimi?Here are various phrases that you can use if you want to romantically compliment someone you are interested in and have a strong attraction to.
1 Sei bellissimo, sei bellissimaThis article was meant to get you comfortable with complimenting, flirting, and expressing your feelings to someone in Italian with confidence. You’re now ready to spread some love, affection, and happiness around you like a true Italian!