Italian terms of endearment

We've talked about Italian nicknames and how they are formed in this lesson. But there are also classic terms of endearment or pet names that are used every day in a general way. Let's look at a few of them. 

One very common term of endearment is tesoro (treasure) or tesoro mio (my treasure). Depending on the tone and context, it can be heartfelt or slightly sardonic. In English, we'd likely say "honey," "sweetheart," or a variety of other terms. 

Tesoro, tranquilla.

Treasure, don't worry.

Caption 76, I Bastardi di Pizzofalcone S1 EP6 Buio - Part 10

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Just as proper names can be altered to be more "affectionate," so can terms of endearment. 

Tesoruccio mio, ti prego, perdonami.

Little treasure of mine, I beg you to forgive me.

Caption 33, La Ladra EP. 4 - Una magica bionda - Part 12

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Amore is another common term of endearment used in couples and with children.

Su, dai, andiamo! -Certo, amore.

Come on, come on, let's go. -Of course, love.

Captions 56-57, Il Commissario Manara S1EP12 - Le verità nascoste - Part 4

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Amore can have the same -uccio ending as tesoro. 

La pappa è quasi pronta, amoruccio di nonna, eh.

Dinner is almost ready, Grandma's little pet, huh.

Caption 61, Questione di Karma Rai Cinema - Part 18

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Of course, one of the best-known terms of endearment is caro (dear) or cara (dear). It is often used in the absolute superlative, carissimo, and often in the plural, carissimi. In contrast to tesoro, which is a masculine noun changing its ending only in number, caro changes its ending according to gender and number. 

Carissimi, come va?

Dear ones, how is it going?

Caption 64, Liberi tutti EP6 Caffè e cornetto? - Part 5

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When you call someone amico mio (my friend), it is usually not a friend at all. Here, too, the noun changes its ending according to gender and number. 

No, no, amico mio, io faccio questa, poi mi tiro fuori.

No, no my friend, I do this and then I'm pulling out.

Captions 63-64, Liberi tutti EP7 Quanto vale una pera al Milanetto? - Part 1

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Two animals are very popular as terms of endearment. Il passerotto (the sparrow) or la passerotta for females, and topolino/a. 

Però adesso non hai nessuna sottomano, povero passerotto solitario!

But now you have no one on hand, poor little lonely sparrow!

Caption 24, Il Commissario Manara S1EP7 - Sogni di Vetro - Part 9

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Those familiar with the show Commissario Manara might remember if Annarita, Questore Casadio's wife, had a pet name for her husband, who was quite short. Please let us know if you come across this pet name, and we will add it to this lesson. Write to us at [email protected] or in the comments section of the video where you find the pet name. And thanks for reading!