colto
/ˈkol.to/
The English word cultured is translated into Italian as colto.
The adjective colto means civilized or refined. While it can be used in a refined sense, it is most frequently used to mean well-educated or learned in an academic sense.
Meaning: civilized, refined (adj)
Which one should you use?
If you want to emphasize that someone is educated in terms of schooling rather than refined in terms of taste, use istruito. Additionally, the formal term raffinato or raffinata is used to describe someone with sophisticated tastes and refinement.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective colto must agree in gender and number with the person being described. Use colta for a single female, colti for a group of men or a mixed-gender group and colte for a group of women.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈkol.to/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The term colto can also be the past participle of the verb 'colgere', which means 'to pick' or 'to pluck' flowers or fruit.
- The word colto is a doublet of culto, meaning 'religious worship'. Both words share a common root in the Latin verb 'colere', which meant both to cultivate a field and to honor a deity.
- In Italian literary circles, calling someone colto is often a higher compliment than calling them istruito, as the former implies a deep passion for knowledge rather than just having completed a degree.
Examples in context
- È colto.He's cultured.This sentence is useful for saying someone is cultured using colto.Tatoeba #8503564 by Guybrush88, translation #8477391 by CH
- Sono colto.I'm cultured.This sentence is useful for saying you are cultured using colto.Tatoeba #2553555 by Guybrush88, translation #2202722 by CK
- Tom è colto.Tom is cultured.This sentence is useful for saying Tom is cultured using colto.Tatoeba #3836830 by Guybrush88, translation #2202721 by CK
- Mario è un uomo coltoMario is a cultured man
- La signora Rossi è molto raffinataMrs. Rossi is very cultured
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Giulia are discussing a friend's literary interests.
- AlessandroQuel ragazzo è molto colto.That guy is very cultured.
- GiuliaSì, legge moltissimi libri.Yes, he reads many books.
- AlessandroÈ un uomo davvero raffinato.He is a truly refined man.
- GiuliaSi vede dalla sua educazione.It shows from his upbringing.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry colto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries colto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
