argilla
/arˈd͡ʒil.la/feminine
The English word clay is translated into Italian as argilla or creta.
Meaning: mineral substance (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| argilla | /arˈd͡ʒil.la/ | feminine |
| creta | /ˈkre.ta/ /ˈkrɛ.ta/ |
feminine |
The terms refer to a mineral substance.
Which one should you use?
argilla is the more common term used in scientific, geological or general contexts. In contrast, creta is often used specifically in the context of art, pottery and traditional ceramics.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /arˈdʒil.la/. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the word creta is a root for the word cretaceo, which refers to the Cretaceous period, named after the chalky 'clay' deposits found in the earth.
- The term argilla is frequently used in the context of 'argilla verde', a specific type of green clay used in Italy for medicinal and cosmetic face masks.
- In Italian artistic circles, a 'bozzetto' is a rough sketch or model often made of creta before a final sculpture is cast in bronze or carved in marble.
Examples in context
- Tom sparò al piccione d'argilla.Tom shot the clay pigeon.This sentence shows the use of argilla in the context of a clay pigeon.Tatoeba #7357893 by Guybrush88, translation #7028161 by Hybrid
- Indurì dell'argilla mettendola sul fuoco.He hardened clay by putting it into a fire.This sentence illustrates how to use argilla when describing hardening the substance with fire.Tatoeba #3380824 by Guybrush88, translation #302366 by AlanF_US
- Ama realizzare sculture in argilla, finendo spesso per ricoprersene.He loves to make clay sculptures, often ending up covered in it.This sentence demonstrates how argilla is used when discussing making sculptures.Tatoeba #13216723 by Nuel, translation #13216722 by Nuel
- Per creare la mia scultura, ho utilizzato un'argilla di alta qualità.To create my sculpture, I used high-quality clay.
- Il negozio di souvenir vende bellissime statuette in terra cotta.The souvenir shop sells beautiful terracotta figurines.
- Ho comprato della plastica fimo per creare orecchini originali.I bought some fimo clay to create unique earrings.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Matteo are at a pottery workshop.
- GiuliaQuesta argilla è molto morbida.This clay is very soft.
- MatteoSì, è perfetta per il tornio.Yes, it is perfect for the pottery wheel.
- GiuliaVoglio fare un vaso con l'argilla.I want to make a vase with the clay.
- MatteoSarà un bellissimo lavoro, Giulia.It will be a beautiful piece of work, Giulia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “clay” translations and entries argilla, creta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
