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PhrasesMeeting Someone NewHai figli?
A1informal

Hai figli?

Do you have children?

Pronunciation

'Figli' = FEEL-yee — the 'gli' is a palatal sound. Just two syllables.

When to use it

Appropriate among adults, especially when it comes up naturally (at a playground, parent event, or after discussing family). Avoid if someone seems emotionally sensitive or the context is too early in conversation.

What it means

'Figli' is the plural of 'figlio' (son/child). Italian uses 'figlio' and 'figlia' for son and daughter, but 'figli' in a general plural can mean 'children' of any gender. 'Hai figli?' uses 'avere' (to have) — A1 level.

Variations

Quanti figli hai?

How many children do you have?

Follow-up once you know they have children.

Hai bambini piccoli?

Do you have young children?

'Bambini piccoli' (young children) — natural when context involves childcare or schools.

Di che età sono i tuoi figli?

How old are your children?

Natural follow-up — opens conversation about parenting and age groups.

Mini Dialogue

— Hai figli? — Sì, due: una femmina di sette anni e un maschio di quattro. — Che belli! Ho anch'io un bambino di cinque anni. — Allora capisci come sono le mattine!

— Do you have children? — Yes, two: a girl of seven and a boy of four. — How lovely! I also have a five-year-old. — Then you understand what mornings are like!

Cultural Note

Italians love talking about children and show genuine warmth toward other people's children. Sharing parenting experiences quickly builds a strong bond between strangers who are both parents.