Mattina

Mattina is the Italian noun for the period of the day from dawn to noon, commonly translated as "morning" in English. It can refer to the early hours of the day as well as to the broader segment between sunrise and midday. In everyday language, phrases such as "questa mattina" (this morning) and "la mattina" (the morning) are common. Examples: "Questa mattina ho incontrato un amico," and "Mi alleno ogni mattina."

Etymology and forms: The word derives from Latin matutinus, via medieval Italian. The masculine counterpart "mattino" also exists and typically refers to the morning itself or to the early hours, while "mattina" emphasizes the broader morning period. The definite article is often used with "la mattina" to mean the morning hours.

Other uses: Beyond its time-of-day meaning, mattina appears as a surname in Italy, and may occur in titles or expressions that evoke morning settings. The term is primarily employed in standard Italian, with regional variations in usage.

See also: mattino.