accogliente
/ak.koʎˈʎɛn.te/
The Italian word for cozy is accogliente.
accogliente is used to describe an atmosphere or a place that feels cozy, but its primary sense is actually 'welcoming' or 'hospitable.'
What does it mean word for word?
The adjective accogliente is derived from the verb accogliere, which means 'to welcome' or 'to receive.'
Which one should you use?
While accogliente describes a cozy atmosphere, if you want to emphasize physical comfort, such as a soft sofa, you should use confortevole instead.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable: /ak.koʎˈʎɛn.te/.
Did you know?
- The verb related to accogliente, accogliere, is also used in legal contexts to mean 'to accept' or 'to admit' a petition or a request.
- The word accogliente shares a linguistic root with the English word 'collect', as both derive from the Latin 'colligere' meaning 'to gather together'.
- In Italian, a 'cozy' corner for reading might be called a rifugio, meaning 'refuge' or 'shelter', implying a sense of protection from the world.
Examples in context
- Questo bar è accogliente.This coffee shop is cozy.This sentence shows how to describe a coffee shop as cozy using accogliente.Tatoeba #2977466 by Guybrush88, translation #59717 by CK
- Il soggiorno si trasforma in un accogliente cinema.The living room transforms into a cozy theater.This sentence uses accogliente to describe a living room transformed into a cozy theater.Tatoeba #13251849 by Nuel, translation #13251848 by Nuel
- Abbiamo scelto un posto accogliente vicino alla finestra.We chose a cozy spot by the window.This sentence demonstrates choosing a cozy spot using accogliente.Tatoeba #13127816 by Nuel, translation #13127815 by Nuel
- Il camino acceso rende questa stanza veramente accogliente.The lit fireplace makes this room really cozy.
- Abbiamo avuto una cena intima a lume di candela.We had a cozy candlelit dinner.
- La nostra sala relax è un posto così comodo per rilassarsi.Our lounge area is such a cozy place to unwind.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Martina are looking at a new apartment.
- FrancescoQuesta camera è molto accogliente.This room is very cozy.
- MartinaSì, è un posto accogliente per noi.Yes, it is a cozy place for us.
- FrancescoMi piace l'atmosfera calda.I like the warm atmosphere.
- MartinaAnche a me piace molto.I like it a lot too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry accogliente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
