costellazione
/kos.tel.latˈt͡sjo.ne/feminine
The English word "constellation" is costellazione in Italian.
costellazione refers to an arbitrary formation of stars perceived as a figure or pattern, or a division of the sky including it. If you want to describe the concept of a constellation as a group of stars, you can also use the phrase gruppo di stelle.
Meaning: arbitrary formation of stars perceived as a figure or pattern, or a division of the sky including it (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
costellazione is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has five syllables, with the stress on the fourth syllable: /kos.tel.latˈtsjo.ne/.
When do people say it?
When discussing specific star patterns, Italian speakers use specific names such as Orione for Orion and Carro Maggiore for the Big Dipper.
Did you know?
- While English speakers call the Big Dipper a 'dipper', Italians call it Carro Maggiore, which means 'Great Wagon'.
- Unlike English, where 'constellation' can describe a group of people, using costellazione to describe a group of people in Italian sounds quite heavy and overly formal.
- The word stella, found inside costellazione, is the root of the English word 'stellar'.
Examples in context
- Una costellazione brilla.A constellation shines.This sentence shows how to use the word costellazione.Tatoeba #1214935 by riccioberto, translation #1128744 by cntrational
- In un cielo sereno, puoi ammirare diverse costellazioni come Orione e la Costellazione del Toro.In a clear sky, you can admire different constellations such as Orion and the Taurus Constellation.
- Guarda, quella formazione di stelle è una costellazione.Look, that cluster of stars is a constellation.
- Questa costellazione è molto facile da riconoscere.This constellation is very easy to recognize.
- Posso vedere una nuova costellazione stasera?Can I see a new constellation tonight?
Example conversation
Martina and Francesco are looking at the night sky in a park.
- MartinaGuarda quella costellazione in alto.Look at that constellation up there.
- FrancescoSì, è davvero magnifica.Yes, it is truly magnificent.
- MartinaSai come si chiama questa costellazione?Do you know what this constellation is called?
- FrancescoNo, non lo so.No, I don't know.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “constellation” translations and entries costellazione, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
