Parents (especially mothers) are considered very important to Italians, and deserving of the utmost respect. This isn't to say that fights don't occur. They happen, and when they do they can be explosive. But they almost always end up strengthening the family unit in the end. Because family ties are so strong and their meaning in an Italian person's life so important, the introduction of a friend into the family signifies that the introducer considers the friend to be a very close and significant person. In this guide, you will find the basic words and phrases that deal with family relationships.

• Madre   Mother
• Padre   Father
• Sorella   Sister
• Fratello   Brother
• Figlio   Son
• Figlia   Daughter
• Nonna   Grandmother
• Nonno   Grandfather
• Famiglia   Family
• Amico/Amica   Friend
• Cugino/Cugina   Cousin
• Zio/Zia   Uncle / Aunt
• Marito   Husband
• Moglie   Wife
• Patrigno   Step-father
• Matrigna   Step-mother
• Nipote   Grandson/daughter
• Ragazzo / fidanzato   Boyfriend
• Ragazza / fidanzata   Girlfriend
• Padrino   Godfather
• Madrina   Godmother