cardinale
/kar.diˈna.le/masculine
The Italian word for cardinal (as in a Catholic Church official) is cardinale.
cardinale refers to an official of the Catholic Church. The word can also be used as an adjective to describe a number that indicates quantity or to describe something that is a bright red color.
Meaning: official of the Catholic Church (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to the religious title, the noun is used without an article in certain constructions, such as after verbs of becoming like diventare.
How do you pronounce it?
/kar.diˈna.le/. The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The Italian word cardinale shares its roots with the word for 'hinge', derived from the Latin 'cardo'. This suggests a person who is a 'hinge' or a central point around which everything else turns.
- The red color of the cardinale is symbolically meant to represent the official's willingness to shed their blood for the faith.
- While cardinale refers to the official, the Italian word for the red bird is also cardinale, though it is less common than the religious term.
Examples in context
- Voglio incontrare il cardinale.I want to find the cardinal.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to meet the cardinale.Tatoeba #3210077 by Guybrush88, translation #12299789 by Miktsoanit
- Vuoi diventare cardinale?Do you want to become a cardinal?This sentence is useful for asking someone if they want to become a cardinale.Tatoeba #3210076 by Guybrush88, translation #12299788 by Miktsoanit
- Voglio diventare cardinale.I want to become a cardinal.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to become a cardinale.Tatoeba #3210075 by Guybrush88, translation #12299786 by Miktsoanit
- Il cardinale è stato nominato PapaThe cardinal has been appointed Pope
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Chiara are discussing a news report at a cafe.
- AlessandroHai visto il discorso del cardinale?Did you see the cardinal's speech?
- ChiaraSì, è stato molto importante.Yes, it was very important.
- AlessandroIl cardinale vive qui in città?Does the cardinal live here in the city?
- ChiaraNo, lui è in visita a Roma.No, he is visiting Rome.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cardinal” translations and entries cardinale, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cardinale, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
