Italian · People & Family
"Sister-in-law" in Italian: cognata
la cognata
Sister-in-law in Italian is la cognata (lah kon-YAH-tah). A brother-in-law is il cognato. Together they are i cognati.
Holiday planning
Mia cognata organizza il pranzo di Natale.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce cognata
Say it
lah kon-YAH-tah
/koɲˈɲa.ta/
Cognata stresses YAH: kon-YAH-tah. Gn like canyon.
"Sister-in-law" in Italian: quick reference
| Italian | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| la cognata | the sister-in-law Default noun. | Default noun. |
| mia cognata | my sister-in-law Talking about her. | Talking about her. |
| le cognate | the sisters-in-law Plural feminine. | Plural feminine. |
| da mia cognata | at my sister-in-law's Visiting. | Visiting. |
How to use cognata in real life
- 1Holiday planning
Mia cognata organizza il pranzo di Natale.
My sister-in-law is organizing Christmas lunch.
Mia cognata without article.
- 2Introductions
Ti presento la cognata di Luca.
I'd like you to meet Luca's sister-in-law.
La cognata di + name.
- 3Text message
La cognata arriva con i bambini alle cinque.
My sister-in-law is arriving with the kids at five.
La cognata when context is clear.
Mistakes English speakers make with cognata
Incorrect: Il cognata chiama.
Correct: La cognata chiama.
Cognata is feminine; cognato is masculine.
Incorrect: Lei è mia sister-in-law.
Correct: Lei è mia cognata.
Use cognata.
Good to know
Like cognato, cognata covers more than one legal link. Italians usually clarify with a name once you're at the table.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Choosing a gift with a partner
ChatPal
A tua cognata piace il cioccolato?
Does your sister-in-law like chocolate?
You
Sì — la cognata è golosa di fondente.
Yes — my sister-in-law loves dark chocolate.
ChatPal
Allora prendiamo una scatola.
Then let's get a box.
You
Perfetto. Mia cognata sarà contenta.
Perfect. My sister-in-law will be happy.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Sister-in-law" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Sister-in-law" in Italian
What is the masculine form?
Cognato, brother-in-law.
How do I say my sister-in-law?
Mia cognata.
Plural?
Le cognate, or i cognati for a mixed group.
Is cognata a cousin?
No. Cousin is cugina.
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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