Italian modifying suffixes (diminutives, ...)
Sign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for free Course informationsSign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for free Course informationsWe offer both private lessons and organized group courses
Sign up for free to get all available courses or contact one of our teachers yourself!
Our offer
In Italian we can use suffixes to add new meanings to the original word.
These constructions are used in informal contexts only.
We can distinguish between four different classes of altered nouns:
Take online language lessons with a professional teacher
This kind of modification conveys the idea of smallness.
These constructions are pretty common in baby talk.
Masculin singular | Feminine singular | Masculine plural | Feminine plural |
---|---|---|---|
-ino | -ina | -ini | -ine |
-etto | -etta | -etti | -ette |
-ello | -ella | -elli | -elle |
-icino | -icina | -icini | -icine |
-olino | -olina | -olini | -oline |
-icello | -icella | -icelli | -icelle |
-icciolo | -icciola | -iccioli | -icciole |
-otto | -otta | -otti | -otte |
Vezzeggiativi convey the idea of tenderness, sympathy and also smallness.
This kind of altered nouns is typical for baby talk.
Masculine singular | Feminine singular | Masculine plural | Feminine plural |
---|---|---|---|
-uccio | -uccia | -ucci | -ucce |
-uzzo | -uzza | -uzzi | -uzze |
-olo | -ola | -oli | -ole |
-cino | -cina | -cini | -cine |
-acchiotto | -acchiotta | -acchiotti | -acchiotte |
This kind of nouns conveys a sense of bigness in size.
Masculine singular | Feminine singular | Masculine plural | Feminine plural |
---|---|---|---|
-one | -ona | -oni | -one |
Quella casona mi mette paura.
(That big house makes me afraid.)
Devo studiare questo librone per l'esame!
(I have to study this enormous book for the exam!)
La tua è proprio una manona!
(Yours is a really big hand!)
This kind of suffixes expresses a sense of contempt and dislike.
Masculine singular | Feminine singular | Masculine plural | Feminine plural |
---|---|---|---|
-accio | -accia | -acci | -acce |
-astro | -astra | -astri | -astre |
-ucolo | -ucola | -ucoli | -ucole |
-iciattolo | -iciattola | -iciattoli | -iciattole |
Depending on the context, the suffix -astro can also lose its negative connotation.
Italian | English |
---|---|
Rosso → Rossastro | Red → Reddish |
Blu → Bluastro | Blue → Bluish |
Fratello → Fratellastro | Brother → Step-brother |
Figlio → Figliastro | Son → Step-son |
Modifying suffixes can be combined to mix different meanings, but only in informal contexts.
Italian | English |
---|---|
Casa → Cas - ett - ina | House → Tiny little house |
Gonna → Gonn - ell - ina | Skirt → Tiny little skirt |
Foglio → Fogli - ett - ino | Sheet → Tiny sheet |
A lot of words look like alterates, but they are not.
Italian | English |
---|---|
Cartone → not a big Carta (Paper) | Cardboard |
Tacchino → not a tiny Tacco (High heel) | Turkey |
Collina → not a tiny Collo (Neck) | Hill |
Limone → not a big Limo (Mire) | Lemon |
Other than the meaning, in some cases suffixes can also change the gender of the original word.
Italian | English |
---|---|
La donna → Il donnone | Woman → The big woman |
La febbre → Il febbrone | Fever → Very high fever |
Unlike in other platforms, all our teachers are manually verified by our professional team. Trust in the experiences of our students.
Hi everyone!
My name is Daniela, I am Italian and I come from a small town in Sicily, Southern Italy. I am a qualified Italian language teacher and a CELI examiner! I work in two language schools teaching Italian and I also teach English at school.
I love foreign languages, translating, reading and listening to music. Are you ready to start your language learning path with me? We are going to learn many things and to talk a lot, if you allow me to! Don’t worry if you’ve never studied the language before: everyone can attend my classes – from beginner to advanced students. You just need passion for what you're going to do and... a good Internet connection. Materials are provided by me!
See you online!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Daniela is the best teacher ever! I would recommend her to literally anyone that wants to learn Italian. She is kind, sweet, patient, has a great sense of humor and does her job very well and detailed. I have been taking lessons with her for over 2 years now and my Italian improved so much! She always sends you all the materials you need and anything you ask for, like reading materials, grammar exercises etc. Daniela is extremely positive and always comes very prepared and in a great mood. She even makes the hard and more difficult things to learn a fun process. What I liked a lot, is that she doesn’t only teach you the theory but takes her time to have many conversations with you, about all kinds of topics, so that you really get the confidence for fluent talking. She does her job with a lot of passion and dedication and there is literally no question about the Italian language that she cannot answer. I don’t think there is a teacher out there, that will give you so much of her knowledge, joy and time for such a convenient price. Highly recommend!!!
Daniela V.Dear Iulia, I am so happy that you are satisfied with our courses together. It's true, we have come a long way. Your Italian (already beautiful from the start) has grown more and more and has become wonderful! Thank you for the trust you have given me since day one :-)
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi everyone!
My name is Daniela, I am Italian and I come from a small town in Sicily, Southern Italy. I am a qualified Italian language teacher and a CELI examiner! I work in two language schools teaching Italian and I also teach English at school.
I love foreign languages, translating, reading and listening to music. Are you ready to start your language learning path with me? We are going to learn many things and to talk a lot, if you allow me to! Don’t worry if you’ve never studied the language before: everyone can attend my classes – from beginner to advanced students. You just need passion for what you're going to do and... a good Internet connection. Materials are provided by me!
See you online!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Daniela is a wonderful teacher. I really had difficulty properly expressing myself in Italian. Daniela not only tought me the basic rules of Italian grammar, but more importantly, during our many conversations in Italian, she helped me express myself much better and with confidence. I still have some path to go, particulalry deepening my knowledge of grammar. The next phase that I will start in a couple of months will focus on perfectionning that. I hope Daniela will find the time to work with me again
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Maria is a well-structured teacher that is fluent in both russian and spanish. I recommend her to anyone!
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi everyone!
My name is Daniela, I am Italian and I come from a small town in Sicily, Southern Italy. I am a qualified Italian language teacher and a CELI examiner! I work in two language schools teaching Italian and I also teach English at school.
I love foreign languages, translating, reading and listening to music. Are you ready to start your language learning path with me? We are going to learn many things and to talk a lot, if you allow me to! Don’t worry if you’ve never studied the language before: everyone can attend my classes – from beginner to advanced students. You just need passion for what you're going to do and... a good Internet connection. Materials are provided by me!
See you online!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Daniela is a great teacher, she is helping me with my Italian. The lessons always fly by because it it so easy to talk with her. She makes you feel very at ease and has a great way of keeping the conversation going, while in the meantime keeping an eye on explaining grammatical things and making sure you improve your vocabulary each time. Therefore the lessons have a nice balance between being very enjoyable as well as informative, which makes the learning process proceed at a very consistent pace. Definitely can recommend Daniela!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi everyone!
My name is Daniela, I am Italian and I come from a small town in Sicily, Southern Italy. I am a qualified Italian language teacher and a CELI examiner! I work in two language schools teaching Italian and I also teach English at school.
I love foreign languages, translating, reading and listening to music. Are you ready to start your language learning path with me? We are going to learn many things and to talk a lot, if you allow me to! Don’t worry if you’ve never studied the language before: everyone can attend my classes – from beginner to advanced students. You just need passion for what you're going to do and... a good Internet connection. Materials are provided by me!
See you online!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I asked Daniela to help me with pronunciation. She pays careful attention, and corrects my pronunciation as needed.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello Everybody
My name is Luisa and I teach Italian for foreign students, English, French and German for Italian students
Since 1994, I have dedicated myself to translating and teaching thanks to my travels, abroad studies, foreign reading and writing. I provide fun and customized lessons based on the student's goals. I also triy to minimize English speaking during the lessons. I give homework exercises, and my lessons are intermixed with grammar, conversation, customs and traditions. My goal is to make certain that each student finds learning Italian exciting.
I am available for any explanations also via e mail
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Luisa is such a great teacher; she’s energetic, patient, enthusiastic. I recommend her for anyone, child or adult.
Luisa A.Thank you so much Nicole !!!! much appreciated !!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi, guys! My name is Lucia and I would like to invite you to learn Italian with me.
I am both a native speaker and a QUALIFIED teacher, as I hold a post-graduate degree in “Teaching Italian as a second language” and a national certification as teacher of Italian to not-native speaking.
My teaching method is COMMUNICATION-oriented and involves also the study of Italian culture and grammar. Indeed, as it happens in your mother language, the knowledge of spare words is not enough to get able to speak (i.e. INTERACT!) properly and conveniently.
I’ll prepare for you all teaching materials, tailoring lessons to your needs and interests, taking advantage from both the huge number of textbooks I hold and my creativity!
I offer lessons for all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced, as well as support in preparation to certification exams (I am also qualified ad examiner for the oral part of CELI).
Do not hesitate to get in contact with me to find a suitable time-slot for your trial lesson!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I highly recommend Lucia, she is an amazing teacher, very pedagogical and explains all the rules in a very comprehensible manner. The program/book she uses is great, words are easy to remember and the exercises are interesting and interactive. 5 out of 5!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Responds to needs and also suggests alternatives. Perfect all around. I can only recommend it to everyone.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello Everybody
My name is Luisa and I teach Italian for foreign students, English, French and German for Italian students
Since 1994, I have dedicated myself to translating and teaching thanks to my travels, abroad studies, foreign reading and writing. I provide fun and customized lessons based on the student's goals. I also triy to minimize English speaking during the lessons. I give homework exercises, and my lessons are intermixed with grammar, conversation, customs and traditions. My goal is to make certain that each student finds learning Italian exciting.
I am available for any explanations also via e mail
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I have had many lessons with Luisa and I always look forward to them. We begin by chatting about the past week's events and them move to Espresso which I find very useful as a good review of material I have done in the past. There is often additional words used I had not met before. Luisa is always a pleasure to talk with and is a kind and pleasant teacher. She corrects me gently and offers useful words or meanings when appropriate.
Luisa A.Dear Martin thank you so much ! It's my pleasure taking class with you. And thanks a lot for your suggestion about Us movies ( Just Mercy) or Us books
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi everyone!
My name is Daniela, I am Italian and I come from a small town in Sicily, Southern Italy. I am a qualified Italian language teacher and a CELI examiner! I work in two language schools teaching Italian and I also teach English at school.
I love foreign languages, translating, reading and listening to music. Are you ready to start your language learning path with me? We are going to learn many things and to talk a lot, if you allow me to! Don’t worry if you’ve never studied the language before: everyone can attend my classes – from beginner to advanced students. You just need passion for what you're going to do and... a good Internet connection. Materials are provided by me!
See you online!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Daniela is super nice! Super professional and lessons delivered in a informal and enjoyable way! Thanks Daniela :)
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Do you want to learn Italian to know better the Italian culture and enjoy a trip in Italy? Do you need it for your business or to speak with your relatives?
Whatever is your reason in learning Italian I can help you and personalize your lesson according to your needs and interest.
My work as Italian tutor started with my love for languages and for travels. I experienced that learning a new language is a way to know a new culture and to enrich your knowledge of the world.
I started teaching Italian online few years ago. I have a TEFL certificate, and currently teach students from different parts of the world.
Before teaching Italian, I worked for a few years after graduation in tourism.
I believe that the teacher work requires continual renewal and study of new teaching methods is part of my job.
Feel free to contact me so we can tailor your personal lessons.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
A big 'thank you'to Davide for the last 12 lessons. We have done some very useful work together and he is supportive and encouraging.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello everyone! I'm Federica and I'm a Certified Italian teacher with over 3 years of experience.
I live in Rome and I teach with patience and enthusiasm because I love Italian language and culture and I always try to share this love in my lessons.
I adjust my method according to my students needs and I try to encourage students to express themselves.
Book a trial lesson to discuss your learning needs and goals! I hope to see you soon!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I have just started learning Italian with Federica. She is very friendly and patient and is able to be flexible with the lesson according to my language goals. I am looking forward to improving my Italian with her.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I am a teacher of Italian to Speakers of Other Languages with many years of experience in teaching in public and private schools. I have taught Italian to speakers of other languages in schools, in migratory contexts and in vocational training at all levels (from pre A1 to C2 ). I have gained experience as a teacher with Arabic-speaking, Slavic-speaking, German-speaking, French-speaking, Spanish-speaking, Sinophone, Lusophone and Anglophone students, and have taught literacy courses for asylum seekers and refugees. I did a training internship as a lecturer in Italian at the Department of Romance at the University of Salzburg. I completed my training by teaching Italian to learners with special educational needs. Moreover, I am a CILS, CELI and PLIDA examiner for the speaking part. I also speak German, English and French and I successfully completed my Celta in October 2020.
My lessons focus mainly on two aspects: oral and written production and the study of grammar, with particular attention to phonetic and phonology. My lessons are aimed at satisfying the needs of the learner and are prepared according to the needs of each one.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Monica is fantastic -- highly organized, knowledgeable and friendly. She is very easy to learn from. I feel like I am in very good hands. I highly recommend her especially if you need help preparing for a certification exam (CELI, CILS, etc.).
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Maria has experience in teaching spanish lessons and is very well structured. I really recommend her to everybody.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials