Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| cieco | /ˈt͡ʃɛ.ko/ |
| orbo | /ˈɔr.bo/ |
The primary way to describe someone who is unable to see is using the adjective cieco. You can also use the verb diventare (to become) to describe the process of someone becoming blind. For an adverbial meaning, such as doing something 'blindly' or 'without looking', the phrase alla cieca is used.
Which one should you use?
Both cieco and orbo mean 'blind', but they are used in different contexts. cieco is the standard term for the physical condition, while orbo is reserved for literary, poetic or archaic contexts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective cieco changes based on gender and number: use cieca for a feminine singular subject, ciechi for masculine plural and cieche for feminine plural.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈtʃɛ.ko/. The stress is on the first of two syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the adjective cieco when referring to a window blind (the object used to cover a window). Instead, use tenda or veneziana.
Did you know?
- The standard word cieco descends from a Proto-Indo-European root that specifically meant 'one-eyed'.
- In Italian, a 'blind alley' or a 'dead end' is called a vicolo cieco, literally a 'blind alley'.
- Italian uses the word cieco to describe a 'blind' spot in a car's mirror, known as an angolo cieco.
Examples in context
- Lui non è cieco.He is not blind.This sentence is useful for stating that someone is not blind using cieco.Tatoeba #13780976 by Guybrush88, translation #12470488 by Aghanim
- Tom è nato cieco.Tom was born blind.This sentence is useful for describing someone born with the condition using cieco.Tatoeba #4826599 by Guybrush88, translation #3419962 by CK
- Non è nato cieco.He was not born blind.This sentence is useful for clarifying that someone was not born blind using cieco.Tatoeba #7487537 by Guybrush88, translation #3599135 by karloelkebekio
- La persona è cieca.The person is blind.
- Gli assistenti guidano i non vedenti attraverso l'edificio.The assistants guide the blind through the building.
- Anna è cieca.Anna is blind.
- Marco e Giovanni sono ciechi.Marco and Giovanni are blind.
- È diventato cieco dopo l'incidente.He became blind after the accident.
- 174 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Giulia are talking about a man in a park.
- MatteoVedi quell'uomo?Do you see that man?
- GiuliaSì, è cieco.Yes, he is blind.
- MatteoUsa un bastone bianco.He uses a white cane.
- GiuliaSì, è molto utile.Yes, it is very useful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “blind” translations and entries cieco, orbo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cieco, orbo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
