The Italian word bambina means little girl or female child. It specifically refers to a young female, usually between infancy and pre-adolescence. The suffix -ina emphasizes the youth or smallness of the person being referred to.
Here are some examples of how bambina is used:
La bambina gioca nel parco. – The little girl is playing in the park.
Quella bambina è molto intelligente. – That little girl is very smart.
Ho visto una bambina con un vestito rosso. – I saw a little girl in a red dress.
In addition to its literal meaning, bambina (or the more affectionate form bimba) can be used metaphorically when addressing an adult woman. In this context, it conveys tenderness, affection, or playfulness. It’s similar to calling someone baby or sweetheart in English and emphasizes qualities like innocence or sweetness.
For example:
Non fare così, bambina, tutto andrà bene. – Don’t be like that, sweetheart, everything will be okay.
Sei sempre la mia bimba, anche se sei cresciuta. – You’re still my little girl, even though you’ve grown up.
Va tutto bene, bimba mia? – Is everything okay, my dear?
In summary, bambina means little girl, but it can also be used affectionately to address an adult woman, emphasizing a close, caring relationship.