riconciliazione
/ri.kon.t͡ʃi.ljatˈt͡sjo.ne/feminine
The English phrase 'atonement' can be translated into Italian as either riconciliazione or redenzione.
Meaning: amends to restore a damaged relationship (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| riconciliazione | /ri.kon.t͡ʃi.ljatˈt͡sjo.ne/ | feminine |
| redenzione | /re.denˈt͡sjo.ne/ | feminine |
The term refers to making amends to restore a damaged relationship.
Which one should you use?
In contrast, use redenzione when the focus is on the spiritual or moral act of being saved from sin or error (equivalent to the English 'redemption').
How does it change in a sentence?
Both riconciliazione and redenzione are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ri.kon.tʃi.ljatˈtsjo.ne/. It consists of 6 syllables, with the stress placed on the 5th syllable.
Did you know?
- In certain historical Italian texts, redenzione was specifically used to describe the 'ransom' paid to free a prisoner or a slave.
- While riconciliazione means 'atonement' or 'reconciliation', the root conciliare can also mean 'to win over' or 'to gain favor', such as winning the crowd's support.
- If you are seeking 'atonement' in a way that feels more like 'reconciliation' with a friend, using redenzione would sound overly dramatic or even slightly comical in a casual setting.
Examples in context
- Mi dispiace davvero tanto, posso chiederti scusa?I'm really sorry, can I apologize to you?
- Cerchiamo una riconciliazione tra i due partiti.We are seeking a reconciliation between the two parties.
- Dopo la lite, hanno cercato la riconciliazione.After the argument, they sought reconciliation.
Example conversation
Matteo and Martina are discussing a fight they had.
- MatteoMi dispiace molto per quello che è successo.I am very sorry for what happened.
- MartinaLo so, ma abbiamo bisogno di una riconciliazione.I know, but we need an atonement.
- MatteoCosa posso fare per rimediare?What can I do to make it right?
- MartinaParliamo con calma e ricominciamo da capo.Let's talk calmly and start over.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “atonement” translations and entries riconciliazione, redenzione, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
