What do Italians call their girlfriends?

What Italians Call Their Girlfriends (And Boyfriends Too)

Calling your significant other by a sweet nickname is practically second nature in Italy. While “fidanzato” (boyfriend) and “fidanzata” (girlfriend) are the standard terms—technically meaning “engaged”—they’re often used more loosely, even for serious dating relationships that haven’t reached engagement.

But where Italian affection truly shines is in the pet names. “Amore” — “my love” — is perhaps the most common and heartfelt. You’ll hear it everywhere, from couples strolling through Rome to quick text messages. It’s simple, sincere, and deeply romantic.

Then there’s “tesoro,” which means “treasure.” Imagine being called “my little treasure” in a warm, melodic accent — it’s hard not to melt. Similarly, “caro” for men and “cara” for women mean “dear,” and are often tacked onto the beginning of sentences: “Caro, what time are we eating?”

There’s also “dolcezza,” literally “sweetness,” which translates to something like “sweetie.” While it’s undeniably cute, some Italians might find it a bit overly sentimental — a little too much like a movie cliché. Still, in the right moment, even the corniest terms can feel perfect.

What’s interesting is how these terms blur the line between formal and affectionate. “Fidanzato/a” might imply engagement on paper, but in daily conversation, it’s just as likely to describe a long-term boyfriend or girlfriend. Context matters — but so does tone.

In Italy, language isn’t just about meaning — it’s about emotion. A simple “amore” whispered over espresso carries more weight than a dozen flowery compliments. It’s not just what they call their partners, but how they say it — with warmth, familiarity, and a touch of drama.