codardo
/koˈdar.do/
The English word 'coward' is translated into Italian as codardo. Wiktionary also lists pusillanime and vigliacco.
Meaning: a person who lacks courage (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| codardo | /koˈdar.do/ | |
| pusillanime | /pu.zilˈla.ni.me/ | |
| vigliacco | /viʎˈʎak.ko/ | |
| vile | /ˈvi.le/ | |
| fifone | /fiˈfo.ne/ | masculine |
Which one should you use?
While codardo is the standard term for a coward, vigliacco is a much stronger and more insulting word that often implies the person has acted without honor or has committed a despicable act. For a much more colloquial and playful tone, you can use fifone, which is closer to the English 'scaredy-cat'. The term pusillanime is a highly formal and literary way to describe a person lacking resolve or spirit, and vile is another way to describe such a person.
How does it change in a sentence?
Fifone is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word codardo is pronounced /koˈdar.do/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The word codardo is built from coda, meaning 'tail'. It creates a mental image of a coward tucking their tail between their legs.
- The suffix -ardo in codardo is often used in Italian to create nouns that exaggerate a specific characteristic, sometimes with a mocking tone.
- While fifone is used for a 'scaredy-cat', it is derived from fifa, a dialectal word for 'fear'.
Examples in context
- Lei è un codardo.You're a coward.This sentence shows how to identify someone as a codardo.Tatoeba #3566734 by Guybrush88, translation #2207260 by Hybrid
- Non è un codardo.You are not a coward.This sentence demonstrates the negation of the term codardo.Tatoeba #4145849 by Guybrush88, translation #16281 by CK
- Lui è un codardo.He is a coward.This sentence is used to state that a male is a codardo.Tatoeba #7796086 by Guybrush88, translation #7782934 by sharris123
- Durante il processo, il testimone è stato descritto come un vigliacco per essersi rifiutato di testimoniare contro l'imputato.During the trial, the witness was described as a vigliacco for refusing to testify against the accused.
- I soldati che fuggirono dal campo di battaglia furono etichettati come codardi, portando vergogna sul loro reggimento.The soldiers who fled the battlefield were labeled codardi, bringing shame upon their regiment.
- Si è rifiutato di salire sulle montagne russe, sostenendo di sentirsi male. Che fifone!He refused to go on the rollercoaster, claiming to feel sick. What a fifone!
- 74 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Matteo are arguing about a friend who disappeared during a conflict.
- ChiaraLui è stato un codardo a scappare.He was a coward to run away.
- MatteoForse aveva solo molta paura, Chiara.Maybe he was just very afraid, Chiara.
- ChiaraNo, un vero amico non è un codardo.No, a true friend is not a coward.
- MatteoHai ragione, Matteo concorda con te.You are right, Matteo agrees with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “coward” translations and entries codardo, pusillanime, vigliacco, vile, fifone, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries codardo, pusillanime, vigliacco, vile, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
