reggiseno
/ˌrɛd.d͡ʒiˈse.no/masculine
The English word 'bra' is translated into Italian as reggiseno. Wiktionary also lists reggipetto.
Meaning: brassiere (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| reggiseno | /ˌrɛd.d͡ʒiˈse.no/ /red.d͡ʒiˈse.no/ |
masculine |
| reggipetto | masculine |
Both terms refer to a brassiere. reggiseno is the standard term used to describe this piece of clothing.
What does it mean word for word?
The word reggiseno is a compound of the verb reggere, meaning to hold up or support and the noun seno, meaning breast.
Which one should you use?
While reggiseno is the standard term, reggipetto literally means 'holds up the chest' and is a more colloquial or slightly more old-fashioned way to refer to a bra.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both reggiseno and reggipetto are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has four syllables, with the stress on the third syllable: /ˌrɛd.dʒiˈse.no/.
Did you know?
- While reggiseno is the common term, the word seno also describes the curve of a bay or a gulf in geographical contexts.
- The verb reggere in reggiseno is also used to describe a person's ability to handle alcohol or stress, as in 'holding' one's liquor.
- The masculine gender of reggiseno follows a common Italian pattern where compound words starting with a verb are masculine, even if they describe feminine items.
Examples in context
- Il mio reggiseno è troppo piccolo.My bra is too small.This sentence shows how to describe the size of a reggiseno.Tatoeba #5793040 by Valdast, translation #5792825 by EmilyDeWahl
- Voglio solo togliermi il reggiseno.I just want to take off my bra.This sentence is useful for expressing the desire to remove a reggiseno.Tatoeba #11800763 by Nuel, translation #11800762 by Nuel
- Mary non sta indossando un reggiseno.Mary is not wearing a bra.This sentence is used to state that someone is not wearing a reggiseno.Tatoeba #2624057 by Guybrush88, translation #1542593 by Spamster
- Vorrei provare questo reggiseno, per favore.I would like to try on this bra, please.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Matteo are shopping for clothes together.
- SofiaDevo comprare un nuovo reggiseno.I need to buy a new bra.
- MatteoTi serve un modello specifico?Do you need a specific model?
- SofiaSì, un reggiseno di seta.Yes, a silk bra.
- MatteoCerchiamo in quel negozio.Let's look in that shop.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bra” translations and entries reggiseno, reggipetto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
