continente
/kon.tiˈnɛn.te/masculine
The Italian word for "continent" is continente.
continente is used to refer to each of the main land-masses on the earth's surface.
Meaning: each of main land-masses on earth's surface (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
continente is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has four syllables, with the stress on the third syllable: /kon.tiˈnɛn.te/.
Did you know?
- The word continente shares its exact same spelling as the Italian word for 'continent', but it can also mean 'continent' as an adjective, describing someone who shows great self-restraint or moderation.
- Because it comes from the Latin 'continentem', which is the present participle of 'continere' (to hold together), the word continente etymologically implies a landmass that is 'held together' in a single unit.
- In Italian, the word continente can be used as an adjective meaning 'containing', such as describing a vessel that holds a liquid.
Examples in context
- L'Africa è un continente.Africa is a continent.This sentence is useful for identifying Africa as a continente.Tatoeba #6981441 by Guybrush88, translation #6978103 by CK
- L'Europa è un continente.Europe is a continent.This sentence is useful for identifying Europe as a continente.Tatoeba #7841143 by Guybrush88, translation #2635043 by CK
- L'Australia è un continente?Is Australia a continent?This sentence is useful for asking if Australia is a continente.Tatoeba #13327460 by Guybrush88, translation #10467907 by Objectivesea
- L'Italia è uno stato situato nel continente europeo.Italy is a country located in the European continent.
- L'Oceania è il continente più piccolo per estensione territoriale.Oceania is the smallest continent in terms of land area.
- Ecco il continente dove si trovano le maestose Alpi.Here is the continent where the majestic Alps are located.
- L'Africa è il continente più vicino all'Italia.Africa is the continent closest to Italy.
- 33 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Sofia are discussing a geography book.
- MatteoQual è il continente più grande?Which is the largest continent?
- SofiaÈ l'Asia, un continente vastissimo.It is Asia, a very vast continent.
- MatteoHo letto molto su quel continente.I have read a lot about that continent.
- SofiaÈ davvero un posto affascinante.It is truly a fascinating place.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “continent” translations and entries continente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries continente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
