presepe
/preˈzɛ.pe/
The English word "creche" is translated into Italian as presepe.
presepe refers to a miniature model representing the scene of the birth of Jesus.
What does it mean word for word?
The word originates from the Latin term praesepium, which means "manger" or "crib".
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /preˈzɛ.pe/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
When do people say it?
In Italy, creating a presepe is a major cultural practice. This is especially true in Naples, where making elaborate models is considered a significant art form.
Did you know?
- Some Italian artists create 'presepi viventi', where the scene is not a miniature model but a live reenactment with people in costume acting as the figures.
- It is a tradition in some regions to include a 'benandanti' or a local folk figure in the presepe to blend official church doctrine with ancient rural superstitions.
- In traditional Neapolitan presepi, the nativity scene is often surrounded by secular characters like butchers and fishmongers to show that the whole city is celebrating.
Examples in context
- Il presepe è una tradizione importante durante il periodo natalizio.The creche is an important tradition during the Christmas season.
- Il presepe è sotto l'albero di Natale.The creche is under the Christmas tree.
- Abbiamo comprato un presepe molto dettagliato.We bought a very detailed creche.
- Ti piace il nostro nuovo presepe?Do you like our new creche?
Example conversation
Chiara and Alessandro are decorating their living room for the holidays.
- ChiaraAlessandro, dove mettiamo il presepe?Alessandro, where do we put the creche?
- AlessandroPossiamo metterlo sul mobile della sala.We can put it on the living room cabinet.
- ChiaraOttima idea, sarà molto bello.Great idea, it will be very beautiful.
- AlessandroSì, lo sistemiamo subito.Yes, let's set it up right away.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry presepe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
