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How to Say ‘A little something (a small gift)’ in Italian

Un piccolo pensiero

oon peek-KOH-loh pen-SYEH-roh

[oon peek-KOH-loh pen-SYEH-roh]

💬 Usage Tip: Pensiero literally means "thought", as in "it's the thought that counts". Un pensiero alone also works for a small gift.

Phrase Breakdown

Un

[oon]

a

Indefinite article used before a masculine singular noun.

Example

In Un buon equilibrio, Un introduce l'idea di un balance positivo.

In 'Un buon equilibrio,' 'Un' introduces the idea of a positive balance.

piccolo

[peek-KOH-loh]

small

Describes a smaller size; useful when choosing drink sizes.

Example

Un caffè piccolo per me, grazie.

A small coffee for me, thanks.

pensiero

[pen-SYEH-roh]

thought; small gift

Literally 'thought'; 'un pensiero' is a modest way to call a gift.

Example

Ti ho portato un pensiero dall'Inghilterra.

I brought you a little something from England.

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