bastardo
/basˈtar.do/masculine
The English word 'bastard' can be translated into Italian as bastardo. Wiktionary also lists figlio di puttana.
Meaning: contemptible etc. person (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bastardo | /basˈtar.do/ | masculine |
| figlio di puttana | /ˈfiʎ.ʎo di putˈta.na/ /ˈfi.jo de putˈta.na/ |
masculine |
In Italian, these terms are used to describe a contemptible or unpleasant person. The word bastardo can function as a noun referring to a bad person or as an adjective meaning 'of or like a bastard'. It can also be used as an adjective to describe an illegitimate human descendant.
Which one should you use?
While bastardo is a direct translation of 'bastard', figlio di puttana is the equivalent of 'son of a bitch'. The latter is a much more aggressive and vulgar insult that carries a higher level of offense than bastardo.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form is bastardo. To refer to a contemptible woman, you should use the feminine form bastarda.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /basˈtar.do/.
Did you know?
- While 'bastard' in English is often an insult, the Italian bastardo is sometimes used colloquially among friends to describe someone who is particularly clever or 'naughty' in a cheeky way.
- The word figlio shares an unexpected ancestor with the English word 'suck', coming from a root meaning 'one who sucks' at the breast.
- In Italian, bastardo can be used to describe something that is a hybrid or an irregular mixture, such as a 'bastard' typeface or a mixed-breed plant.
Examples in context
- Tom è un bastardo fortunato.Tom is a lucky bastard.This sentence shows how bastardo can be used to describe a person with a specific trait.Tatoeba #1616364 by Guybrush88, translation #1462015 by Spamster
- Fanculo tua madre, bastardo.Fuck your mother, bastard.This sentence demonstrates a highly aggressive use of bastardo in an insult.Tatoeba #13273483 by Guybrush88, translation #10110032 by Amastan
- Ero stato un bastardo egoista.I'd been a selfish bastard.This sentence shows how the term can be used to describe one's own past behavior.Tatoeba #11591556 by Nuel, translation #11591555 by Nuel
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a dishonest former colleague.
- FrancescoQuel tipo è un vero bastardo.That guy is a real bastard.
- ChiaraLo so, è stato molto sleale con noi.I know, he was very disloyal to us.
- FrancescoNon si può più fidarsi di un bastardo come lui.You can't trust a bastard like him anymore.
- ChiaraHai ragione, Francesco, meglio voltare pagina.You're right, Francesco, it's better to turn the page.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bastard” translations and entries bastardo, figlio di puttana, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bastardo, di, figlio, puttana, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
