exactly what does "sonna cosa nostra mean?
thanks

Mmmm, most people ask what Cosa Nostra means. And that's, if I remember well, "This thing of ours". But the word Sonna I don't know. I don't speak Sicilian.

It sounds more like a coloqualism to me. Are you sure it's not "sono cosa nostra?"

It would literally mean "I am our thing," but probably more coloquial for "I am of this thing of ours" or something like that.

Basically, just a way of a guy saying he's a "friend of ours," I suppose...

Nick

nick totoro

are you italian? because it could be that "son na" you say on sicilian and in itlian they say "sono". and both means the same.

Technically, I'm Sicilian. My family is from Messina on both sides, but I do no understand Sicilian. I know the differences between certain words (figlia, fighia, etcetera), but not really grammar so much. Anything I've learned has been from studying & lessons and that teaches basically "textbook" Italian.

My Parents came to the US and immediately wanted to be American so badly. They worked hard, but kept their identities, the Catholic faith, and many other aspects. One thing they didn't pass on to my Sister and me was the language. They wanted us to be American and speak English. Noble, I realize, but we also missed out on a bit. I'm 31 and it's still not too late, though.

Nick

no it sure ain't too late to learn something. italian is a beautiful language. i'm not italian but i'm learning it from a friend.

Amen... no harm in that at all...

Nick

For someone from Corleone, they don't know their Italian. RE: Augusto.

Io sono = I am
Sono = I'm

Cosa Nostra has already been explained.

It means, "It's our thing" (i.e., the Mafia). Puzo put those words in Vito's mouth (in the novel) at the Great Gangster Convention. He picked it up from Joe Valachi, who disclosed it publicly several years before Puzo wrote the novel.

I could see "e' cosa nostra" meaning "It's our thing," but first person singular and third person plural for essere (to be) are both "sono."

Then again, I could be completely wrong and this really is a coloqiualism. I need to get out more...

Nick

I always took it as a mis- or alternative spelling of Sono Cosa Nostra, which has already been said to be I am our thing.

obviously, im not italian. i'm from manila.

I would love to learn Italian as well, I am 100% and still do not know it...didnt come off the boat LOL!

That's the beauty of being able to change your profile and whereabouts.

hey! what does pizzonovante mean? i dunno the correct spelling but i think you get what i mean.

pezzonovanti = 90 calibers. It's a ballistics reference to big shots in church and state.

having the title.. piccioto - i forgot the spelling again - does it imply that you are becoming a qualified man or is it branded to the losers who just kill without thinking?