calcio
/ˈkal.t͡ʃo/
calcio is the Italian word for soccer.
The term calcio refers to the sport of association football.
What does it mean word for word?
The word calcio literally means kick.
Which one should you use?
While calcio is the standard term, you may encounter gioco del calcio in formal contexts to mean the game of soccer. For a more casual or informal way to refer to the sport or a casual game of soccer, use calcetto.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and the stress is on the first syllable: /ˈkal.tʃo/.
Did you know?
- The word calcio is a homonym in Italian, meaning it refers both to the sport of soccer and to the chemical element 'calcium'.
- Long before modern soccer, the city of Florence played Calcio Storico, a violent version of the game that combines elements of football, rugby and wrestling.
- In Italian, the word calcio is used to describe the 'kick' or 'recoil' of a firearm, such as a shotgun, as well as the physical stock of the gun itself.
Examples in context
- Marco è un grande appassionato di calcio.Marco is a huge soccer enthusiast.
- Nel mio tempo libero, mi piace giocare a calcio.In my free time, I enjoy playing soccer.
- Domani avrò una partita di calcetto con gli amici.Tomorrow, I'll have a pick-up soccer game with my friends.
- Mi piace molto guardare il calcio.I really like watching football.
- Il calcio è uno sport molto popolare.Football is a very popular sport.
- Domani c'è una partita di calcio importante.There is an important football match tomorrow.
Example conversation
Matteo and Chiara are discussing their hobbies.
- MatteoChiara, ti piace il calcio?Chiara, do you like football?
- ChiaraSì, ma preferisco giocarlo.Yes, but I prefer playing it.
- MatteoAllora giochiamo a calcio insieme!Then let's play football together!
- ChiaraOttima idea, Matteo!Great idea, Matteo!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry calcio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
