ano
/ˈa.no/masculine
The English word 'anus' is translated into Italian as ano.
The term refers to the lower opening of the digestive tract.
Meaning: lower opening of the digestive tract (noun)
Which one should you use?
ano is the formal term used to describe the anatomical part. In contrast, culo is an informal and vulgar way to refer to the same area.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ano is the appropriate formal way to say 'anus'. The word culo is informal and is considered vulgar.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word ano is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈa.no/
Did you know?
- In Italian, the word culo is frequently used to mean 'luck', such as in the phrase che culo to describe someone who is very lucky.
- The expression rompere il culo literally means to break the anus but is used to describe working extremely hard or exhausting oneself.
- While ano is the medical term, the word sedere is the preferred polite way to refer to the general area of the buttocks without being vulgar or overly clinical.
Examples in context
- La mia mucca ha dei vermi nell'ano.My cow has worms in its anus.This sentence is useful for seeing the word ano used in a veterinary context.Tatoeba #13294998 by Guybrush88, translation #773407 by marloncori
- In campo medico, l'ano è una parte integrante del sistema digerente umano.In the medical field, the anus is an integral part of the human digestive system.
- Il medico ha controllato l'ano.The doctor checked the anus.
- Il paziente avverte dolore all'ano.The patient feels pain in the anus.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A patient is describing symptoms to a doctor.
- MatteoHo un prurito all'ano da ieri.I have an itch in the anus since yesterday.
- MartinaSi posi per favore sul lettino, Matteo.Please lie on the exam table, Matteo.
- MatteoÈ normale sentire questo fastidio all'ano?Is it normal to feel this discomfort in the anus?
- MartinaLo capiremo dopo l'esame, Martina.We will understand after the examination, Martina.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “anus” translations and entries ano, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
