Meaning
Epiphany witch, hag
- folklore figure who brings sweets or coal to children on Epiphany Eve
- the Epiphany holiday (January 6th) itself
- ugly or unpleasant old woman (pejorative)
In a sentence
I bambini appendono le calze per aspettare la Befana.
Children hang stockings waiting for the Befana.
Cosa hai trovato nella calza della Befana stamattina?
What did you find in your Epiphany stocking this morning?
Non insultarla chiamandola vecchia befana!
Don't insult her by calling her an old hag!
Word forms (2)
| Word | Word forms |
|---|---|
| befana | feminine · singular |
| befane | feminine · plural |
Usage notes
- Capitalized when referring to the folklore character (la Befana).
- Offensive when used toward a woman ('brutta befana').