sedere
/seˈde.re/
The English word 'bum' can be translated into Italian as sedere when referring to the buttocks.
In Italian, 'bum' can have several meanings depending on the context. When referring to the body part, use sedere. If you are describing a person without a fixed abode, use the formal senza fisso dimora. If you are using the word informally to describe a homeless person, use Barbone. If you mean a person who constantly mooches off others or takes advantage of people's generosity, use Scroccone.
Meaning: informal: butt(ocks) specifically (noun)
Which one should you use?
While sedere is a common way to refer to the buttocks, it is slightly more anatomical or neutral than more vulgar slang terms.
How does it change in a sentence?
Note that the noun for 'buttocks', sedere, is identical in spelling to the infinitive verb meaning 'to sit'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /seˈde.re/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The word sedere shares its ancient roots with the English word 'sedentary', which describes someone who spends much time sitting down.
- The phrase sedere a bocca aperta means 'to sit with an open mouth', but it is an idiom used to describe someone who is staring in shock or amazement.
- Because sedere can mean 'to sit', Italians often use different verbs like accomodarsi to tell someone to 'take a seat' in a more polite way.
Examples in context
- "Sai perché i cactus hanno le spine?" – "Così ti posso pungere nel sedere con quelle!""Do you know why cacti have spines?" – "So that I can poke you in the bum with them!"This sentence shows how to use sedere in a playful context.Tatoeba #11348463 by jacopofar, translation #10468039 by Objectivesea
- Non giudicare una persona solo perché sembra un barbone.Don't judge a person just because they look like a bum.
- Luca è sempre un gran scroccone: chiede sempre soldi in prestito senza restituirli mai.Luca is always such a bum: he always asks for money as a loan and never gives it back.
- Mi fa male il sedere.My butt hurts.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Chiara are at a park.
- AlessandroHai visto quel bambino che è caduto sul sedere?Did you see that baby who fell on his butt?
- ChiaraSì, l'ho visto, ma non sembrava ferito.Yes, I saw him, but he didn't look hurt.
- AlessandroFortunatamente è rimasto in piedi subito.Luckily he stood up immediately.
- ChiaraSì, è un bambino molto forte.Yes, he is a very strong boy.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sedere, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sedere, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
