procione
/proˈt͡ʃo.ne/
The English phrase "coon" (referring to the raccoon) is translated into Italian as procione.
procione is the standard name used to refer to the raccoon, which is a nocturnal mammal native to North America.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /proˈtʃo.ne/.
Did you know?
- The Greek root kúōn found in the name is the same root that gives English the word 'cynic'. This is because the original philosophers were described as having the behavior of 'dog-like' people.
- While procione is the standard name, you may see them referred to as banditi meaning 'bandits' in Italian children's books due to their facial markings.
- While English speakers often use a shortened slang term for this animal, Italian speakers strictly use the full word procione in almost all contexts. There is no common, single-syllable nickname for the animal in Italian like the English 'coon'.
Examples in context
- Il procione è un mammifero notturno.The raccoon is a nocturnal mammal.
- La coda del procione è lunga e folta.The raccoon's tail is long and bushy.
- L'habitat naturale del procione comprende foreste e zone umide.The natural habitat of the raccoon includes forests and wetlands.
- Ho visto un procione nel giardino.I saw a raccoon in the garden.
- Il procione è un animale notturno.The raccoon is a nocturnal animal.
- C'è un procione vicino al cestino.There is a raccoon near the trash can.
Example conversation
Giulia and Lorenzo are looking out the window at night.
- GiuliaLorenzo, guarda quel procione!Lorenzo, look at that raccoon!
- LorenzoSì, è davvero buffo.Yes, it is really funny.
- GiuliaSi sta mangiando la nostra frutta.He is eating our fruit.
- LorenzoDobbiamo chiudere il cancello.We must close the gate.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry procione, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries procione, CC BY-SA 4.0.
