Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| freddo | /ˈfred.do/ /ˈfrɛd.do/ (Milan) |
| gelato | /d͡ʒeˈla.to/ |
The adjective freddo describes something that has a low temperature. To describe the weather or the ambient temperature, Italians typically use the verb fare in the phrase fa freddo rather than saying è freddo.
Which one should you use?
While freddo is the standard adjective for describing a low temperature, gelato can also be used to mean cold. Both freddo and gelo can also function as nouns to mean 'low temperature'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, freddo must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use fredda for feminine singular nouns, freddi for masculine plural nouns and fredde for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈfred.do/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly say sono freddo to mean 'I am cold'.
Did you know?
- If you want to say 'I am cold' in Italian, you cannot use the verb 'essere' (to be). Instead, you must use the verb 'avere' (to have) to say ho freddo, literally meaning 'I have cold'.
- The word gelato is the same word used for 'ice cream' in Italy. While it literally means 'frozen', it is most commonly encountered by travelers as the name of the popular dessert.
- The word freddo shares a common ancestor with the English word 'frigid'. Both stem from the Proto-Indo-European root for 'cold', linking the two languages through their ancient history.
Examples in context
- Il tè è freddo?Is the tea cold?This example is useful for asking if the tea is cold using the form freddo.Tatoeba #13287468 by Guybrush88, translation #12922973 by araneo
- Il tè è freddo.The tea is cold.This example is useful for stating that the tea is cold using the form freddo.Tatoeba #13287486 by Guybrush88, translation #10121788 by sundown
- E lì c'è freddo!It's cold over there!This example is useful for saying it is cold over there using the form freddo.Tatoeba #3776795 by Guybrush88, translation #8902291 by Mario8286
- Ho bisogno di un cappotto per resistere al freddo.I need a coat to withstand the cold.
- Oggi fa un freddo gelido, non dimenticare la sciarpa!Today it's freezing cold, don't forget your scarf!
- 748 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Sofia are in the kitchen after a meal.
- FrancescoQuesto cibo è freddo, Sofia.This food is cold, Sofia.
- SofiaSì, è freddo perché non lo abbiamo scaldato.Yes, it is cold because we didn't heat it up.
- FrancescoPosso scaldarlo un momento?Can I heat it up for a moment?
- SofiaSì, per favore, Francesco.Yes, please, Francesco.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cold” translations and entries freddo, gelato, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries freddo, gelato, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
