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.
Hello everyone. My name is Eva Campagna and I am a professional teacher living in Rome, Italy. As an experienced tutor I would like to offer you custom lessons based on your needs. My lessons are not only educational, but also entertaining and engaging. My teaching method has been honed over 10 years of experience, and is focused on delivering relevant, engaging material in a friendly and inclusive manner.
Incorporating all the key elements of the Communicative Approach, my lessons are focused on communication in real-life situations and an engaging atmosphere.
I like music, literature and cinema. Don't hesitate to contact me!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Eva is a teacher with a lot of experience. She is well-structured and passionate about teaching italian.
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 there, my name is Roberta. I am an Italian native speaker, and a professional language teacher with a DITALS II certification from Siena University. I live in Italy in a lovely little town called Monate near a small lake of the same name, just 40 minutes by car from Milan.
The aim of the lessons will not be learning generic Italian but to learn Italian according to the needs of every student. Each lesson will be personalized and designed to match students’ interests, linguistic level and learning style.
Every lesson will be planned around a text, which could either be a written piece, an audio segment or a video that will be used as a focal point for both communication and grammatical study. I will provide students with all of the teaching materials used in class that can later be used for homework and self – study, especially for developing writing skills.
I have been working as an Italian teacher since 2016, offering both traditional and e-learning/online classes. I am specialized at teaching young people and adults who want to study Italian for a variety of different reasons: work, education, residency or simply for a love of Italy and its culture.
Finally, as a result of my volunteer position as a documents advisor for immigrants, I can help students to prepare for the B1 level Italian language exam, which is necessary to apply for Italian citizenship.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Roberta, is a fantastic teacher! She really helped to improve my confidence in using the formal Italian and in preparing for interviews in Italy. She tailored all our lessons to exactly my needs, and we also had a laugh in the process. Thanks again for all your help Roberta!
Roberta L.
![]()
Thank you very much Emma, they are very happy to have helped you!
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
Wonderful teacher, thanks to her methodology and her pedagogical skills I could to reach the required level of italian language even without living in Italy. Highly recommended!!
Daniela V.
![]()
Thanks, Lana. Your Italian is growing more and more and I am sure that the next big goal will soon arrive! :-D
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Buongiorno gente!
Are you ready to learn italian with me?
My name is Mojra and I'm a qualified mother tongue tutor. Whether you need to prepare yourself for a job interview, you're planning to relocate to Italy or to spend your next holiday there, I look forward to assisting you to achieve your goals!
I am here to help you improve you grammar, sentence structure and to teach you helpful phrases in a fun and relaxed way.
I graduated from university majoring in Linguistic Mediation and in Modern Languages and then I specialized in the teaching of Italian as a second language, attending a one-year post-graduate course devoted to this and receiving excellent grades (FILIS: Formatori Interculturali di Lingua Italiana per Stranieri). I also teach in the Italian public schools.
If you'd like to learn Italian fluently, I'd love to be your teacher, then why not book a trial class with me now? In this lesson, we will design a lesson plan especially for you discussing how you will reach your specific goals.
IMPORTANT: Please contact me before booking your lesson with me and let me know your Italian level as well as the reasons why you want to learn Italian.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Moijra is very good teacher, patient and supportive She has the know how to transfer to her beginner students the needed knowledge
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello, everybody ! My name is Elena. I’m a native Italian speaker, I’m 49 years old and live in Turin. I am a certified CEDILS teacher, I graduated in Foreign Languages and Literature in Milan and have been working as a teacher of Italian for more than 10 years. I speak English and German. I attended specialization courses for Italian L2 teachers and I am interviewer for C1 PLIDA exam.
Are you seeking a friendly and dynamic study environment ? I got what you need. I am looking forward to being in touch with new students and organize pleasant, interesting and fruitful courses.
Do you wish to learn or improve your Italian to speak with your parents or friends? Do you need Italian for work or study ? Do you simply love Italian language and culture ? Do you need to improve your writing skills ?
My classes are tailored on your needs and considering your level of knowledge, I create a proper course plan. Classes focus on language and on the possibility for you to improve your ability to speak and understand Italian in your daily life or in work.
I offer 1-to-1 or 2-to-1 tuition, general Italian courses (grammar, conversation, listening, reading and writing), preparation to Italian examinations (all levels, also Italian for residence permit) and Italian and culture courses.
Grammar, vocabulary exercises, reading articles and magazines and talking together are all tools to feel at ease with the Italian language and then be able to practice it.
I have worked with children, adolescents and adults for all levels of Italian, from beginner to advanced. I have experience in preparing students to international certification (CILS, PLIDA). I was an A2/B1 Telc examiner.
Learning Italian can be closely related to culture, literature, music, sport and any other interest of my students.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Elena is absolutely fantastic and extremely helpful in preparing me at short notice for a PLIDA B2 exam. Great teacher, lovely person and I'd highly reccommend her to anyone in need of suport in learning italian.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello everyone! I have been teaching Italian to foreigners in Bologna for 10 years, collaborating with local associations. I graduated in History, but later I specialized in teaching Italian by obtaining the Ditals, and in 2019 a master's degree at the Ca 'Foscari University of Venice in "Advanced planning of teaching Italian language and culture to foreigners". I love my job very much and I do it with dedication and passion. I have experience with students of all levels of Italian, from beginners to advanced, and in preparing for language tests. I adapt my teaching methods to the characteristics and training needs of my students, so as to favor a more effective, engaging and motivating learning. The materials I use are authentic, original texts and videos adapted for educational purposes. I love to use computer technologies for the preparation of interactive exercises, especially for the exercise of grammar. If you want to learn Italian in an engaging and motivating way, contact me! I'm waiting for you for a trial lesson!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I can only recommend Cristiana as a teacher! The lessons are well structured and adjusted to the students needs. She explains a lot and motivates the students to speak in Italian. She supports the learning with a lot of material and explains the logic of the language.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi there, I’m Letizia!
I've always had a great passion for languages and have made it my life's work.
I have been teaching English, Spanish and Italian as second languages (L2) to international students for 7 years now. I mainly work with teenagers and adults, but I also have experience with school-age children.
I am specialised in Psycholinguistics and Applied Linguistics for teaching: specifically, I work on the processes of L2 language acquisition (SLA), language development and processing.
Course features:
- Exams and certifications
- Academic and colloquial language
- Vocabulary and oral skills
- Course build on your needs and goals
- Interactive activities
- Authentic and personalised study materials.
Cancellation policy: to cancel or reschedule a lesson, please give at least a 6 hours notice.
Delays are accepted for up to 15 minutes, after which the lesson will be considered not cancelled and, thus, charged.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
The classes with Letizia are very helpful. Very good mix of theory and exercises. I can highly recommend Letizia!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello my name is Lucia and I am a native Italian speaker.
I have a degree as an interpreter for English and French so I know how hard it may be to learn a foreign language. I work as a free-lance interpreter and private English and French teacher. I have a strong passion for languages which I have been studying for many years. I am studying Spanish now and always trying to improve my English and French knowledge. I am a friendly person and my lessons mainly focus on conversation. As a teacher I am very patient and I always propose tailor-made lessons with respect to your needs. I am really enthusiastic about being a teacher because this activity allows you to share your culture and habits with foreign people. Learning a language is also learning a new culture.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Lucia, in a friendly and motivating manner, manages to get us, as beginners to Italian, to "speak". New vocabulary and grammar basics are regularly incorporated. Each lesson is different, fun and effective as Lucia is not only a very experienced teacher but also embodies the love for Italy and her language. We are happy to have “found” them, Rita and Connie
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi!
My name is Mariateresa, I'm Italian and I teach English, Italian and Spanish to foreign students.
Having lived in Spain during my last year at University, I moved to the UK, where I lived for the next five years. My English at that time was quite poor and I made a living by doing various jobs.
One day, inspired by my amazing English teacher Mandy, I had an idea: why not teach my native language and Spanish to English people and other nationalities? You wouldn’t believe how fascinated people are by these languages!
It was in 2017 when I fell in love with this job. So much so that one year later I successfully attained a TESOL Certificate, to teach English as a foreign language.
Teaching allows me to fully express myself and my personal qualities, such as patience and an ability to give my full attention to other people. By giving students a space in which to express themselves without fear, I create a safe, non-judgemental environment.
When a new student contacts me I always offer them a free trial lesson, so that we can introduce ourselves and I can get to know their level, interests and needs. It's from there that I create the ensuing lessons.
I provide students with a solid grammar base, but also help them to understand the application and use of the language in everyday life. At the same time, I tailor the lesson to suit the students' main interests – such as grammar, speaking, pronunciation, writing or exam preparation. I teach students of different levels, from beginners to advanced.
Although I love teaching in-person, I have adapted myself to teaching online as well. I have also completed a Teaching English Online course offered by Cambridge University. I have to admit that it's a really effective method, plus you meet people from all over the world!
Having lived abroad for several years I know that learning a foreign language requires time, but it's also fun. By speaking in it we can express hidden parts of ourselves – it's a bit like acting!
You can also assimilate the culture from which the language evolves. It's interesting to see how we can change and develop!
My aim is to transmit to students the idea that nothing is impossible. Learning a language is challenging, but entirely achievable if you keep in mind that it's a journey made of small steps.
What is important is to establish those small objectives every day, and reach them with calm determination.
Like a tracker counts the steps that you walk, put on your “count-words tracker” and you'll be surprised at how much you have learned by the end of the day!
For more information visit:
https://campsite.bio/mariateresa.medici
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I am more than happy to have met Mariateresa as a teacher! She quickly understands the problems a student can encounter, and finds the solutions. She keeps me motivated! I realise that I have made a lot of progress in Italian in the short time since we started our lessons. Can one say better than that?!!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Buongiorno gente!
Are you ready to learn italian with me?
My name is Mojra and I'm a qualified mother tongue tutor. Whether you need to prepare yourself for a job interview, you're planning to relocate to Italy or to spend your next holiday there, I look forward to assisting you to achieve your goals!
I am here to help you improve you grammar, sentence structure and to teach you helpful phrases in a fun and relaxed way.
I graduated from university majoring in Linguistic Mediation and in Modern Languages and then I specialized in the teaching of Italian as a second language, attending a one-year post-graduate course devoted to this and receiving excellent grades (FILIS: Formatori Interculturali di Lingua Italiana per Stranieri). I also teach in the Italian public schools.
If you'd like to learn Italian fluently, I'd love to be your teacher, then why not book a trial class with me now? In this lesson, we will design a lesson plan especially for you discussing how you will reach your specific goals.
IMPORTANT: Please contact me before booking your lesson with me and let me know your Italian level as well as the reasons why you want to learn Italian.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I've now had 2 lessons with Mojra and I can warmly recommend her. We keep the lessons in Italian, which I really enjoy. Mojra is a kind and patient teacher who listens to you and your wishes in regards to what you want to focus on during the classes. Mi piacciono molto le mie lezioni con Mojra e non vedo l'ora per le nostre lezioni in futuro!
Mojra G.
![]()
Thanks for your nice words Sofia, see you next lesson!
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
Thank you for putting up with all my mistakes today! We had plenty of conversation practice although the listening we did was quite tough but very useful .
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
Hi! My name is Federica, and I am a certified teacher of Italian as a foreign language.
I have 3 + years of experience as a teacher, and I have also been a translator/proofreader for almost three decades. I can speak English, a bit of German, French and Spanish, as well as very, very basic Swedish. In short, I know just how it feels to be a learner of a foreign language, too!
One thing I know is that learning a language is more effective - and much more fun - when teaching is personalized. That's why I don't follow any single textbook: I like to try and choose the texts and exercises which are best suited to my students' interests. I also prefer to use "real" material such as magazine articles, songs, videos, etc., so you'll get an authentic feel for the language.
But enough about me. Let's talk about you! What is your current level and what are your short- and long-term goals in learning Italian? Book a free trial lesson (half an hour) with me. We'll talk about your goals and discuss how best to achieve them.
Hope to meet you soon!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
She speaks so softly and understandable. Always cooperating with the student. I'd recommend her especially for grammar studies.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Why should you choose me? Take a look at what people say who have taken online classes with me.
Book lessons with me and
- prepare Dutch exams "Basisinburgering A1" and "Inburgeringsexamen A2". Your full commitment and my energetic, professional approach are the winning combination to help you succeed at once!
- learn Dutch because you live in the Netherlands (or are planning to move there) and still don’t speak the language properly or haven’t started yet. You’ll enjoy your environment more!
- learn Italian for work or because you will move to this beautiful country or simply because you just love it. Let me help you experience the language!
- study Spanish for pleasure, work or because you have to prepare an exam for school and you need to get confident to perform optimally
- get confident in useful daily conversations, meetings at work, exams, and presentations
- overcome the fear of failure; if you have learning problems, feel shy or need a boost of energy you’ll get confident enough to achieve your goals
My lessons are based on conversations. My method is to help you practice the language from the very beginning in spontaneous and direct conversations, using often role plays.
With books, articles, songs, and other interesting and stimulating material I will encourage conversation, develop grammar in a simpler way, and improve pronunciation.
Learning a foreign language is not a matter of doing much effort, but rather of being consistent, enjoying the lessons and allowing your intuition to work with you. You will book immediate results while having fun!
I've been teaching Dutch, Spanish and Italian for many years, in The Netherlands, for private institutes, for the integration of foreigners into society (Inburgering), and online from Italy, where I currently live.
Contact me for a free trial and let me know how I can help you.
CANCELATION POLICY
If you cancel a reservation please do it at least 24 hours before the session
(otherwise I would have to charge you for the lesson).
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Very Nice communication, easy to study and prictice Italiano, I am a Biginner and She has the patient to understand me.
Elena P.
![]()
Thank you so much for the feedback, Pedro! It's a pleasure to work with you and help you achieve your goal.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials