carro
/ˈkar.ro/
The Italian word for chariot is carro.
carro refers to a vehicle used in warfare. However, because carro can also mean many different types of carts or wagons, you will often see the phrase carro da guerra used specifically to specify a war chariot.
Meaning: vehicle used in warfare (noun)
Which one should you use?
The phrase carro da guerra is often used to specify a chariot used in warfare, as carro alone can mean many types of carts or wagons.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and the stress is on the first syllable: /ˈkar.ro/.
Did you know?
- In Italian astronomy, the constellations Ursa Major and Ursa Minor are called Grande Carro and Piccolo Carro, meaning 'Big Chariot' and 'Little Chariot'.
- In modern Italian, you might hear the phrase carro armato to describe a tank, which literally translates to 'armoured chariot' or 'armoured cart'.
- In many Italian regions, the term carro can even refer to a large, festive parade float used during religious festivals.
Examples in context
- Il carro fu distrutto nella battaglia.The chariot was destroyed in the battle.
- Hanno costruito un nuovo carro da guerra.They built a new war chariot.
Example conversation
Martina and Alessandro are visiting a history museum.
- MartinaGuarda che splendido carro romano!Look what a splendid Roman chariot!
- AlessandroSì, sembra molto robusto.Yes, it looks very sturdy.
- MartinaImmagina il rumore di un carro in guerra.Imagine the noise of a chariot in war.
- AlessandroDeve essere stato terrificante, Martina.It must have been terrifying, Martina.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry carro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
