cauzione
/kawtˈt͡sjo.ne/
The English phrase 'bail' is translated into Italian as cauzione.
cauzione is a formal term used in legal and bureaucratic contexts to refer to bail, acting as a financial guarantee or security deposit. In a formal setting, you might also see the word garanzia used to refer to a guarantee or security.
Meaning: to secure the release of an arrested person by providing bail (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the action of 'posting bail', use the phrase mettere una cauzione. If you want to specifically say 'to pay bail', you should use the verb pagare with cauzione, forming the expression pagare la cauzione.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable. It is pronounced /kawtˈtsjo.ne/.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the word cauzione can also mean a 'security deposit' when renting an apartment or a car.
- The root of cauzione comes from the Latin verb caveō, which is also the origin of the English word 'caveat'.
- The related Italian word cauto describes a person who is prudent or careful, sharing the same root as the legal term cauzione.
Examples in context
- Tom sta organizzando la cauzione.Tom is arranging bail.This sentence shows how to use the word cauzione in the context of arranging bail.Tatoeba #3151706 by Guybrush88, translation #2273021 by CK
- Hanno pagato la cauzione per lui.They paid the bail for him.
Example conversation
Francesco and Chiara are talking about a friend's legal situation.
- FrancescoSai se hanno fissato la cauzione?Do you know if they set the bail?
- ChiaraSì, è molto alta per Francesco.Yes, it is very high for Francesco.
- FrancescoPossiamo aiutare a pagare la cauzione.We can help pay the bail.
- ChiaraSpero che possa uscire presto.I hope he can get out soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cauzione, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cauzione, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
