cultura
/kulˈtu.ra/
The English word 'culture' is translated into Italian as cultura.
cultura is the standard term used to refer to the beliefs, values, behaviors and material objects that constitute a people's way of life.
Meaning: the beliefs, values, behavior and material objects that constitute a people's way of life (noun)
Which one should you use?
While cultura is the general term, civiltà is used when you want to emphasize the civilizational aspect of a culture. If you are referring specifically to 'cultural heritage', use the phrase patrimonio culturale. For unwritten rules and customs, the phrase modi di fare is used, which literally means 'ways of doing'.
How does it change in a sentence?
cultura is a feminine noun. Its plural form is culture.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /kulˈtu.ra/.
Did you know?
- In a culinary context, cultura can refer to a 'starter culture' for fermentation, such as in yogurt or sourdough. This uses the biological meaning of the word rather than the sociological one.
- In Italian, cultura can be used as a synonym for 'education' or 'knowledge'. Someone described as una persona di cultura is not necessarily from a specific ethnic background, but is simply a well-read and learned individual.
- The Italian word cultura shares the same Latin root as the English word 'culture', meaning 'cultivation' or 'care' of the land.
Examples in context
- Hanno la loro cultura.They have their own culture.This sentence demonstrates the use of cultura to show possession.Tatoeba #1869281 by Guybrush88, translation #1869284 by CM
- Amo la cultura berbera.I love Berber culture.This sentence shows how to use cultura when discussing a specific group's culture.Tatoeba #7749403 by Guybrush88, translation #7748996 by Amastan
- Amo la cultura francese.I love French culture.This sentence shows how to use cultura when discussing a specific nation's culture.Tatoeba #5085113 by Guybrush88, translation #2592581 by WestofEden
- La cultura italiana è ricca di storia e arte.Italian culture is rich in history and art.
- Lo studio della civiltà italiana è fondamentale per comprendere la sua cultura.Studying Italian civilization is fundamental to understanding its culture.
- Dobbiamo preservare il nostro patrimonio culturale per le future generazioni.We must preserve our cultural heritage for the future generations.
- I modi di fare italiani sono molto diversi dai nostri.Italian ways of doing things are very different from ours.
- Le abitudini culinarie sono parte della cultura italiana.Culinary habits are part of Italian culture.
- 83 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Chiara are discussing a museum exhibition.
- LorenzoQuesta mostra celebra la cultura locale.This exhibition celebrates the local culture.
- ChiaraSì, è molto interessante per me.Yes, it is very interesting to me.
- LorenzoVuoi approfondire la cultura di questa zona?Do you want to delve deeper into the culture of this area?
- ChiaraCertamente, Lorenzo, mi piacerebbe molto.Certainly, Lorenzo, I would like that very much.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cultura, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cultura, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
