cripta
/ˈkrip.ta/feminine
The English word crypt translates to cripta in Italian.
cripta is a noun used to refer to an underground vault.
Meaning: underground vault (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈkrip.ta/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- While a cripta is a specific vault, Italians use the word catacombe for the vast underground networks of tombs found in Rome.
- The Italian word cripta is a close relative of the word grotta, which means 'cave' or 'grotto'.
- Italian uses the word criptico to describe something mysterious or coded, mirroring the 'hidden' nature of a cripta.
Examples in context
- La cattedrale ha una splendida cripta.The cathedral has a splendid crypt.
- Il duomo di Milano nasconde una maestosa cripta.The Milan Cathedral conceals a majestic crypt.
- La cappella mortuaria ha una piccola cripta adiacente.The mortuary chapel has a small adjacent crypt.
- La cripta è molto fredda.The crypt is very cold.
- Hanno scoperto una vecchia cripta.They discovered an old crypt.
- Entriamo nella cripta della chiesa.Let's enter the church crypt.
Example conversation
Matteo and Martina are visiting an old cathedral.
- MatteoMartina, vuoi scendere nella cripta?Martina, do you want to go down into the crypt?
- MartinaSì, sono molto curiosa di vederla.Yes, I am very curious to see it.
- MatteoDicono che sia un luogo misterioso.They say it is a mysterious place.
- MartinaAndiamo subito a esplorarla!Let's go explore it right away!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “crypt” translations and entries cripta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cripta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
