razza
/ˈrat.t͡sa/
The Italian word for breed is razza.
razza is used to refer to all animals or plants of the same species or subspecies.
Meaning: all animals or plants of the same species or subspecies (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of razza is razze, which means breeds.
How do you pronounce it?
The word consists of two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. It is pronounced /ˈrat.tsa/.
Did you know?
- The Italian language uses razza to distinguish a specific pedigree, but when talking about a 'mixed breed' dog, Italians use the term meticcio.
- The word razza may have originated as a masculine noun razzo around the year 1300 before becoming the feminine form used today.
- The origin of razza is so debated by linguists that it remains one of the language's great etymological mysteries.
Examples in context
- Di che razza è il tuo cane?What breed is your dog?This sentence is useful for asking about the breed of a dog.Tatoeba #11290173 by Guybrush88, translation #6890425 by Eccles17
- Di che razza è questo gatto?What breed is this cat?This sentence is useful for asking about the breed of a cat.Tatoeba #13240996 by Guybrush88, translation #12808474 by sundown
- Di che razza è questa gatta?Which breed is this cat?Tatoeba #13240997 by Guybrush88, translation #12808476 by sundown
- Che tipo di cane è quello? È di una razza particolare?What type of dog is that? Is it a specific breed?
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Lorenzo are looking at a dog in a park.
- GiuliaChe bella razza di cane!What a beautiful breed of dog!
- LorenzoSì, è una razza molto rara.Yes, it is a very rare breed.
- GiuliaLorenzo, sai come si chiama questa razza?Lorenzo, do you know what this breed is called?
- LorenzoPenso che sia un Golden Retriever.I think it is a Golden Retriever.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry razza, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries razza, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
