Italian · People & Family
"Baby" in Italian: bebè / neonato
il bebè / il neonato
Baby in Italian is il bebè (eel beh-BEH) in everyday speech, or il neonato for a newborn (especially medical or formal). Feminine forms are la bebè and la neonata. Parents also say il bambino for a small child.
Family news
Il bebè dorme finalmente!Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce bebè / neonato
Say it
eel beh-BEH
/il beˈbɛ/
Bebè stresses BEH at the end: beh-BEH. Neonato is neh-oh-NAH-toh.
"Baby" in Italian: quick reference
| Italian | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| il bebè / la bebè | the baby (m / f) Everyday borrowed form. | Everyday borrowed form. |
| il neonato / la neonata | the newborn Hospital and formal talk. | Hospital and formal talk. |
| il bambino | the child / baby Wider age range. | Wider age range. |
| passeggino per bebè | baby stroller Shopping phrase. | Shopping phrase. |
How to use bebè / neonato in real life
- 1Family news
Il bebè dorme finalmente!
The baby is finally sleeping!
Il bebè at home.
- 2Hospital visit
Il neonato sta bene.
The newborn is doing well.
Neonato in medical context.
- 3Gift shop
Cerco un regalo per il bebè.
I'm looking for a gift for the baby.
Bebè as the recipient.
Mistakes English speakers make with bebè / neonato
Incorrect: La neonato piange.
Correct: Il neonato piange. / La neonata piange.
Match gender: neonato (m), neonata (f).
Incorrect: Il baby ha fame.
Correct: Il bebè ha fame.
Prefer bebè or neonato over English baby in Italian sentences.
Good to know
Italians mix bebè with bambino depending on age and affection. Cards and gifts often say al bebè. In hospitals and documents, neonato is the precise word.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Visiting friends with a newborn
ChatPal
Il bebè ha già aperto gli occhi?
Has the baby opened its eyes already?
You
Sì, il bebè è sveglio ma tranquillo.
Yes, the baby is awake but calm.
ChatPal
Il neonato mangia ogni tre ore.
The newborn eats every three hours.
You
Portiamo qualcosa di morbido per il bebè.
Let's bring something soft for the baby.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Baby" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Baby" in Italian
Bebè or neonato?
Bebè is casual; neonato is newborn / more formal.
What about bambino?
Child; also used for babies in everyday talk.
How do you say babysitter?
Babysitter (borrowed) or tata.
Gender?
Il bebè / la bebè; il neonato / la neonata.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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