asso
/ˈas.so/masculine
In Italian, 'ace' is translated as asso.
Figuratively, it can be used to describe an expert or a person who is exceptionally skilled at something.
Meaning: expert (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of asso is assi.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈas.so/.
Did you know?
- The word asso is derived from the Classical Latin word as, which was a small round copper coin used in Ancient Rome.
- If you want to call someone a 'real ace' in a very colloquial way, you might say they are a fuoriclasse. This term literally means someone 'outside the class' of ordinary players.
- In Italian aviation history, a pilot who achieved five confirmed victories was officially called an asso. This mirrored the French tradition of the 'ace' during World War I.
Examples in context
- Ho l'asso di cuori.I have the ace of hearts.This sentence shows how to name the ace of hearts using asso.Tatoeba #2528227 by Guybrush88, translation #2267002 by _undertoad
- Ho l'asso di fiori.I have the ace of clubs.This sentence shows how to name the ace of clubs using asso.Tatoeba #2528235 by Guybrush88, translation #2528234 by CK
- Ho l'asso di picche.I have the ace of spades.This sentence shows how to name the ace of spades using asso.Tatoeba #2528231 by Guybrush88, translation #2528229 by CM
- È un asso nel suo campo.He/she is an ace in his/her field.
- Giovanni è proprio un fenomeno a calcio.Giovanni is truly an ace at soccer.
- Quella ragazza è bravissima a suonare il pianoforte.That girl is an absolute ace at playing the piano.
- un asso del volanteA master driver
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Martina are discussing a colleague's professional skills.
- MatteoLui è un asso della programmazione.He is an ace at programming.
- MartinaSì, è un vero asso nel suo campo.Yes, he is a real ace in his field.
- MatteoDobbiamo assolutamente assumerlo.We absolutely must hire him.
- MartinaHai ragione, è un talento incredibile.You are right, he is an incredible talent.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ace” translations and entries asso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries asso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
