toro
/ˈtɔ.ro/masculine
The English word "bull" is translated into Italian as toro.
toro is a masculine noun used to refer to an uncastrated adult male bovine. It is also used in the common idiom toro selvaggio, which can mean a wild bull or a person acting recklessly.
Meaning: uncastrated adult male bovine (noun)
Which one should you use?
While toro refers specifically to an uncastrated male, the word bue is often used for a castrated male bovine that is used for work.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of toro is tori.
How do you pronounce it?
toro is pronounced /ˈtɔ.ro/. The stress is on the first of the two syllables.
Did you know?
- In Italian geometry, a toro is the name for a torus, which is a surface of revolution shaped like a doughnut.
- The word toro shares an ancient root with the English word 'taurus', which is why the astrological sign Taurus remains recognizable across both languages.
- In some Italian regional slang, calling someone a toro can imply they are stubborn or headstrong, similar to the English 'bull-headed'.
Examples in context
- Il toro sta muggendo.The bull is mooing.This sentence is useful for describing the sound a toro makes.Tatoeba #1662826 by Guybrush88, translation #1662818 by Amastan
- Il toro è un animale forte.The bull is a strong animal.This sentence is useful for noting that a toro is a strong animal.Tatoeba #13453152 by Guybrush88, translation #11664432 by carlosalberto
- Il toro ha ingravidato la vacca.The bull impregnated the cow.This sentence is useful for describing the reproductive role of a toro.Tatoeba #13854114 by Nuel, translation #13854113 by Nuel
- Il toro è un animale imponente.The bull is an imposing animal.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Sofia are walking near a farm.
- FrancescoGuarda quel toro, Sofia!Look at that bull, Sofia!
- SofiaÈ davvero enorme, Francesco.It is truly enormous, Francesco.
- FrancescoSembra molto forte.It looks very strong.
- SofiaSì, ma meglio stare lontani.Yes, but it is better to stay away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bull” translations and entries toro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries toro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
