bruto
/ˈbru.to/masculine
The Italian word for 'brute' is bruto.
As a noun, bruto refers to a brutal person. It can also be used as an adjective to describe something that is crude, unpolished or raw.
Meaning: brutal person (noun)
Which one should you use?
While bruto can mean a brutal person, it is also used as an adjective to describe something crude, unpolished or raw.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun and adjective form is bruto, while the feminine form is bruta.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable: /ˈbru.to/.
Did you know?
- In the context of finance and payroll, bruto is the standard term for 'gross' amounts, such as stipendio lordo or peso bruto, referring to the total before deductions.
- In historical Italian contexts, bruto can refer to an animal, reflecting the original Latin meaning of 'unreasoning'. This makes the transition from 'animal' to 'brutal person' a literal linguistic path.
- Although they look nearly identical, bruto and brutto are different words with different meanings. While bruto refers to a crude or brutal person, brutto is the standard word for something 'ugly'.
Examples in context
- La sua violenza dimostra che è proprio una bestia.His violence shows that he is a true brute.
- Non sopporto il suo modo grossolano di parlare.I can't stand his crude way of speaking.
- Non trattarlo come un bruto.Don't treat him like a brute.
- È un bruto senza cuore.He is a heartless brute.
Example conversation
Martina is complaining to Francesco about a rude man.
- MartinaHai visto come ha parlato a quel cameriere?Did you see how he spoke to that waiter?
- FrancescoSì, è stato davvero maleducato.Yes, he was really rude.
- MartinaNon riesco a sopportare un bruto così.I can't stand such a brute.
- FrancescoHai ragione, Martina, andiamo via.You are right, Martina, let's leave.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “brute” translations and entries bruto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
