ranuncolo
/raˈnun.ko.lo/masculine
The Italian word for the buttercup, a herb of the genus Ranunculus, is ranuncolo.
ranuncolo is used to refer to the plant known in English as a buttercup.
Meaning: herb of the genus Ranunculus (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
ranuncolo is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable: /raˈnun.ko.lo/.
Did you know?
- The Italian word ranuncolo is derived from the Latin words for 'frog' and a diminutive suffix, meaning 'little frog'.
- The 'little frog' name comes from the plant's tendency to grow in wet, marshy areas where frogs are common.
- Many species of ranuncolo contain toxins that can cause skin blisters, leading to the folk name 'stinging buttercup' in some regions.
Examples in context
- Vorrei comprare dei ranuncoli per mia madre.I would like to buy some buttercups for my mother.
- Ho visto un ranuncolo giallo nel prato.I saw a yellow buttercup in the meadow.
- Il ranuncolo cresce vicino al ruscello.The buttercup grows near the stream.
- Questo ranuncolo ha dei petali molto delicati.This buttercup has very delicate petals.
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Sofia are walking through a wild garden.
- LorenzoGuarda, Sofia, quel ranuncolo è bellissimo!Look, Sofia, that buttercup is beautiful!
- SofiaHai ragione, Lorenzo, è davvero brillante.You are right, Lorenzo, it is truly bright.
- LorenzoPosso coglierlo per te?Can I pick it for you?
- SofiaNo, lasciamolo nel prato.No, let's leave it in the meadow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “buttercup” translations and entries ranuncolo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ranuncolo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
