preservativo
/pre.ser.vaˈti.vo/masculine
The English word 'condom' is translated into Italian as preservativo. Wiktionary also lists profilattico and condom.
Meaning: flexible sleeve worn on the penis (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| preservativo | /pre.ser.vaˈti.vo/ /pre.zer.vaˈti.vo/ |
masculine |
| profilattico | /pro.fiˈlat.ti.ko/ | masculine |
| condom | /ˈkɔn.dom/ | masculine |
| goldone | masculine, slang |
The term refers to a flexible sleeve worn on the penis.
Which one should you use?
preservativo is the most common and standard term for a condom. profilattico is a more formal or clinical term, often used in medical or pharmaceutical contexts. condom is also used. goldone is a slang term.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In formal settings, a condom can be referred to as contraccettivo maschile. profilattico serves as a formal or clinical term, while goldone is slang.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of preservativo is preservativi. The plural of profilattico is profilattici. All these forms are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of preservativo is /pre.ser.vaˈti.vo/. It has 5 syllables, with the stress on the 4th syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italy, the word preservativo comes from the verb preservare, meaning 'to preserve' or 'to protect', mirroring the English 'preservative' but with a different meaning.
- The term profilattico is derived from the Greek word for 'guarding against', which is the same root used for 'prophylaxis' in English medical terminology.
- If you use the word profilattico in a casual setting, you may sound unintentionally overly dramatic or like a textbook.
Examples in context
- Tu hai un preservativo?Do you have a condom?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has a preservativo.Tatoeba #4974470 by Guybrush88, translation #1613 by brauliobezerra
- Ha usato un preservativo?Did you use a condom?This sentence is useful for asking if someone used a preservativo.Tatoeba #2605651 by Guybrush88, translation #1879686 by Spamster
- Mi serve un preservativo.I need a condom.This sentence is useful for stating that you need a preservativo.Tatoeba #5269400 by WM3DAS, translation #5268730 by RobinvanderVliet
- Dovresti sempre utilizzare il preservativo per prevenire malattie sessualmente trasmissibili.You should always use a condom to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
- Il contraccettivo maschile è uno dei metodi più efficaci di prevenzione delle gravidanze indesiderate.The male contraceptive is one of the most effective methods of preventing unwanted pregnancies.
- Hai un gommino? Ho finito il mio.Do you have a condom? I ran out of mine.
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Sofia are preparing for a night out.
- LorenzoSofia, hai preso un preservativo?Sofia, did you get a condom?
- SofiaSì Lorenzo, l'ho preso io.Yes Lorenzo, I got it.
- LorenzoOttimo, grazie mille.Great, thanks a lot.
- SofiaDi nulla, siamo pronti.You're welcome, we are ready.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “condom” translations and entries preservativo, profilattico, condom, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
