Italian · People & Family

"Parents" in Italian: genitori

i genitori

Say it: ee jeh-nee-TOH-reemasculine plural · i genitorinoun/dʒe.niˈto.ri/

Parents in Italian is i genitori (ee jeh-nee-TOH-ree), masculine plural. One parent is un genitore. Mamma and papà are warmer everyday labels.

Weekend plans

Sabato mangio dai miei genitori.
Saturday I'm eating at my parents' place.
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How to pronounce genitori

Say it

ee jeh-nee-TOH-ree

/dʒe.niˈto.ri/

jeh-nee-TOH-ree, soft g. Stress on TOH.

"Parents" in Italian: quick reference

ItalianEnglish
i genitorithe parents

Both parents.

i miei genitorimy parents

Most common possessive.

un genitorea parent

Singular.

dai genitoriat my/their parents' place

Visiting home.

How to use genitori in real life

  1. 1Weekend plans

    Sabato mangio dai miei genitori.

    Saturday I'm eating at my parents' place.

    I miei genitori.

  2. 2School form

    I genitori devono firmare questo foglio.

    The parents have to sign this sheet.

    I genitori as subject.

  3. 3Introducing family

    I miei genitori abitano vicino al mare.

    My parents live near the sea.

    Abitano with genitori.

Mistakes English speakers make with genitori

Incorrect: Le genitori sono a casa.

Correct: I genitori sono a casa.

Genitori takes masculine plural article i.

Incorrect: I miei parenti vivono qui. (meaning parents)

Correct: I miei genitori vivono qui.

Parenti means relatives. Parents are genitori.

Good to know

Italians often stay close to i genitori well into adulthood—Sunday lunch dai genitori is a cultural classic. Forms and schools still address i genitori as the default family contact.

Try it in a ChatPal conversation

Planning a family visit

  1. ChatPal

    I tuoi genitori sono in città questo weekend?

    Are your parents in town this weekend?

  2. You

    Sì. I miei genitori cucinano sempre troppo.

    Yes. My parents always cook too much.

  3. ChatPal

    Portiamo un dolce ai tuoi genitori?

    Shall we bring a dessert for your parents?

  4. You

    Ottima idea. I genitori adorano la crostata.

    Great idea. My parents love crostata.

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"Parents" in other languages

FAQ

Common questions about "Parents" in Italian

What is one parent called?

Un genitore.

How do I say my parents?

I miei genitori.

Are parenti the same?

No. Parenti are relatives in general.

What article do genitori take?

I genitori (masculine plural).

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