Family Members
Ciao mamma, come stai?
Mia madre lavora in banca.
Italians use 'mamma' and 'papà' even as adults within the family. 'Madre' and 'padre' are more formal and used in official contexts.
Hi mom, how are you?
My mother works at a bank (formal).
Mio padre è alto.
I miei fratelli sono studenti.
With singular family members, do not use the article (mio padre, not 'il mio padre'). With plural, use the article (i miei fratelli).
My father is tall.
My brothers are students.
Sorellina (Sorella + ina)
Fratellone (Fratello + one)
Italians love using suffixes like -ino/a or -one/a to show affection, especially with family members.
Little sister
Big brother