edificio
/e.diˈfi.t͡ʃo/masculine
The Italian word for building is edificio. Wiktionary also lists palazzo.
Meaning: closed structure with walls and a roof (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| edificio | /e.diˈfi.t͡ʃo/ | masculine |
| palazzo | /paˈlat.t͡so/ | masculine |
Both edificio and palazzo are masculine nouns used to describe a closed structure with walls and a roof.
Which one should you use?
edificio is a generic term for any building. In contrast, palazzo refers to a larger, more imposing structure such as a palace, a grand historical building or an apartment block.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of edificio is edifici, while the plural form of palazzo is palazzi.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /e.diˈfi.tʃo/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word palazzo is named after the Palatine Hill, one of the seven hills of ancient Rome where emperors once lived.
- In Italian, the word palazzo is used for government offices, such as the Palazzo Municipale for a city hall, regardless of whether it looks like a palace.
- In some contexts, palazzo can refer specifically to the administrative power held within a building, similar to how 'the White House' represents the US presidency.
Examples in context
- Questo edificio è blu.This building is blue.This sentence uses edificio to describe the color of a building.Tatoeba #11216605 by Guybrush88, translation #4238230 by amrbekhit
- Sami vide un edificio.Sami saw a building.This sentence uses edificio to indicate that someone saw a building.Tatoeba #11216636 by Guybrush88, translation #7989825 by OsoHombre
- L'edificio è in fiamme.The building is on fire.This sentence uses edificio to describe a building that is on fire.Tatoeba #1739755 by Guybrush88, translation #1739754 by CM
- Il magnifico edificio storicoThe magnificent historical building
- Il Palazzo DucaleThe Ducal Palace
- La moderna costruzioneThe modern building
- Mi piace l'architettura di questo edificioI like the architecture of this building
- Passiamo davanti al palazzo ogni giorno per andare a scuolaWe pass by the building every day on our way to school
- 366 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Alessandro are walking through a new part of the city.
- MartinaGuarda quell'edificio, Alessandro.Look at that building, Alessandro.
- AlessandroSì, è davvero impressionante.Yes, it is truly impressive.
- MartinaTi piace la sua architettura?Do you like its architecture?
- AlessandroSì, Martina, è bellissima.Yes, Martina, it is beautiful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “building” translations and entries edificio, palazzo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries edificio, palazzo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
