Words of Love in the Italian Language

Frasi d’amore

Expressions of Love

Valentine’s Day isn't the only time to whisper some Italian paroline dolci (sweet nothings) in your partner’s ear. The classics never go out of style: “Amore”(Love). “Tesoro” (Darling). “Cuore mio” (My heart).  “Bella” (Lovely). “Gioia” (Joy). “Stella/stellina” (Star/little star). “Luce dei miei occhi” (Light of my eyes). But why not try some more creative nomignoli affettuosi (affectionate nicknames)? 

Many Italian endearments convey the same meaning as English ones, except with masculine (“o”) and feminine (“a”) endings. “Little one,” for instance, is piccolo/a; “dear,” caro/a; “dearest," carissimo/a.

Other English terms don’t translate well into Italian—and vice versa. “Sweet pea” definitely loses some appeal when it turns into “pisello dolce.” "Nasone mio” (my great big nose) and microbino (little microbe) -- both of which I found on Italian websites -- won’t make any English speaker swoon.

In any language nicknames come in a variety of categories, including:

*Sweet: "Sweetheart”  translates as “innamorato/a,” which sounds too formal in Italian. "Sweetie" is better, but  rather than “dolcezza," you might say “ciccia,” "ciccina” or “cicci”--words that I, like many foreigners, mistakenly thought meant “fatty.” Or you could call your sweetie caramellino (little caramel), Babà (the name of a Sicilian cake), sorbettino (little sherbet), pasticcino (little pastry), cioccolatino (little chocolate) or biscottino (cookie)

*Animal: cucciolo  (little puppy), pulce (flea), tigrotto (little tiger), pulcino (chick), topino (little mouse), gattina (kitten), farfallina (little butterfly) or grillo (cricket)

*Tasty: patatina (little potato), cipollina (little onion), fragolina (little strawberry), merendina (little snack), polpetta (croquette) or formaggino (little cheese)  

*Playful: bambola/ bambolina (doll or little doll), gnomo (gnome), streghetta mia (my little witch), angioletto (little angel), fatina (fairy), scarpetta (tiny shoe) or fiorellino (little flower)

Click here to find many more examples, some more spicy than sweet.

A few Italian nome vezzeggiativi (terms of endearment) don’t have any specific meaning. So if you just want to express warmth and affection, try “tato” or “tatina” or "pucci." They can mean whatever you want them to.  

But don’t stop with a pet name. Follow up with a frase d’amore, such as Vieni qui e baciami, amorino!  (Come here and kiss me, my dear little love!) It's guaranteed to work every time.

Romantic Expressions:

Ti voglio bene -– I like you, I love you, I want the very best for you.

Ti amo tanto -– I love you so much.

Sei la mia anima gemella -- You are my soulmate.

Ti penso ogni giorno -- I think of you every day.

Non posso vivere senza te -- I can’t live without you.

Non potrò mai smettere d’amarti -- I could never stop loving you.

Voglio passare il resto della mia vita con te –- I want to spend the rest of my life with you.

Dianne Hales is the author of LA BELLA LINGUA: My Love Affair with Italian, the World's Most Enchanting Language. 

Click below for a delightful song about lovers and their nicknames.

Comments

[dog towel]

If you just crave to express kindness and affection, try “tato” or “tatina” or "pucci.

[Maria]

"ti voglio bene" is used for every important person in your life. :) "ti amo" is a big commitment, so you want to be sure you are totally in love with someone before saying it, and yes, it's only for "your special half", no one else. :)

[Dianne Hales]

Dear Gary, you've figured it out on your own, but here's what I wrote about the two phrases a while back:
Italian parents and children as well as boyfriends and girlfriends express affection with “Ti voglio bene,” which translates literally into “I want you well,” but conveys an entire universe of best wishes: “I want the best for you.” “I want all good things for you.” “I want what you want because I care so much for you.” This phrase echoes in the lyrics of hundreds of love songs. Smitten teenagers end their text messages with TVTB for “ti voglio tanto bene” (I love you so much).

I've been told that, at least in the past, only husbands and wives said "ti amo."

Thanks for writing.

[Gary]

Hello Diana
What is the difference between 'ti voglio bene' and 'ti amo'? I've read that the former is used more to express love for family members and friends whereas the latter is to express love for one's partner. Is this correct?

I once dated an Italian girl from Milan and during our time together she never once said 'ti amo' but she did say 'ti voglio bene' often. She exited after four years, so the above interpretation means sense to me :)

[Dianne Hales]

I just looked up the Italian for "to lust"--bramare ardentemente. Sounds so much more romantic! I look forward to your post.

[Lisa at Wanderlust Women]

Hi Diane, I love when you write about love......wait till Valentines Day and my post about the Italian male version of these words. An eye opener. LOL