insetti
The Italian word for bugs is insetti.
insetti is used to refer to small insects or creepy-crawlies.
Which one should you use?
While insetti is the standard term for bugs, it is a scientific or general term. For specific pests like cockroaches or ants, Italians usually use the specific name of the insect rather than the general term insetti.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is insetto.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the word insetto literally translates to 'cut into' or 'incised'. This refers to the segmented body structure of bugs, which looks as if it has been sliced into sections.
- To describe a hidden listening device, Italians use microspia, combining the words for 'micro' and 'spy'. This avoids any connection to the word for insects.
- While insetti is the formal term, Italians often use bestiole for bugs that are annoying. This diminutive of bestia means 'beast', jokingly framing a tiny insect as a monster.
Examples in context
- Io amo gli insetti.I love bugs.This sentence is useful for expressing a love for insetti.Tatoeba #13297905 by Guybrush88, translation #5922572 by mailohilohi
- Non mi piacciono gli insetti.I don't like bugs.This sentence is useful for expressing a dislike for insetti.Tatoeba #5685492 by Guybrush88, translation #2271873 by CK
- Gli insetti sono dappertutto.The bugs are everywhere.This sentence is useful for stating that insetti are found everywhere.Tatoeba #10615004 by Bethanielle, translation #5121793 by abutner
- Ci sono molti insetti nel giardinoThere are many bugs in the garden
- Quella zona è infestata dai parassitiThat area is infested with bugs
- Dobbiamo combattere gli insetti dannosiWe must fight against harmful bugs
- Le zanzare mi hanno puntatoThe mosquitoes bit me
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Matteo are walking through a garden.
- GiuliaGuarda, ci sono molti insetti colorati qui.Look, there are many colorful bugs here.
- MatteoSì, ma non mi piacciono molto.Yes, but I don't really like them.
- GiuliaPerché, sono bellissimi!Why, they are beautiful!
- MatteoPerché alcuni insetti mi fanno paura.Because some bugs scare me.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
