🤏🎁

How to Say ‘A little something’ in Italian

Un pensierino

oon pen-syeh-REE-noh

[oon pen-syeh-REE-noh]

💬 Usage Tip: pensierino is pensiero "thought" with the -ino ending that makes things small or endearing. The same ending gives regalino "a little gift".

🇮🇹 In Italy: The usual modest way to hand over a gift in Italy. Downplaying it is expected, even when you've chosen carefully.

Phrase Breakdown

[oon]

a / an

An indefinite article meaning 'a' before a masculine singular noun.

Example

È stato un incontro molto utile.

It was a very useful meeting.

pensierino

[pen-syeh-REE-noh]

a little gift

Diminutive of 'pensiero' (thought); a small token gift.

Example

Ti ho portato un pensierino.

I brought you a little something.

Guides for Italian learners

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