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PhrasesMeeting the FamilyMia madre ti ha già dato un soprannome — buon segno!
B1informal

Mia madre ti ha già dato un soprannome — buon segno!

My mother has already given you a nickname — good sign!

Pronunciation

MIA MA-dre ti ha GIÀ DA-to un so-pran-NO-me — stress on 'mia', 'ma-', 'già', 'da-', 'no-'.

When to use it

When a family member spontaneously gives the partner a nickname — one of the warmest signs of acceptance and affection.

What it means

'Ha già dato' = has already given (passato prossimo). 'Soprannome' = nickname. Italian families show affection through nicknames — being given one means you've been absorbed into the family's inner world. It is a mark of intimacy and belonging.

Variations

La nonna ti chiama già 'tesoro' — sei ufficialmente adottato/a.

Grandma already calls you 'treasure' — you're officially adopted.

'Tesoro' (treasure) is among the warmest Italian terms of endearment

Mio fratello ti ha già incluso nella chat di famiglia.

My brother has already added you to the family chat.

The modern equivalent of a nickname — digital family acceptance

I miei ti vogliono già bene — si vede.

My family already loves you — you can tell.

Direct statement of family affection — the ultimate positive outcome

Mini Dialogue

— Sai che mia madre ti ha già dato un soprannome? — No! Quale? — Il Professore — perché parli in modo così preciso. — Il Professore! Mi piace moltissimo. — Buon segno — lei lo fa solo con quelli che le stanno simpatici davvero.

— You know my mother has already given you a nickname? — No! Which one? — The Professor — because you speak so precisely. — The Professor! I love it. — Good sign — she only does that with people she really likes.

Cultural Note

Nicknames in Italian families are a sign of love and belonging. Italian families often have elaborate systems of affectionate names — 'Nino', 'Gigio', 'Mimmo', 'Lella' — alongside formal names. Receiving one on a first visit means you've already made it past the highest gate.