abitudine
/a.biˈtu.di.ne/
The Italian word for custom is abitudine.
abitudine refers to a long-established practice.
Meaning: long-established practice (noun)
Which one should you use?
While abitudine can mean a single habit, it is also the standard word for a long-established custom or practice. The term costume is a formal way to express 'custom' in Italian, often used when discussing traditions or customs of a particular culture or region. Tradizione is a formal term that can be used to convey the idea of 'custom' implying a long-standing practice.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of abitudine is abitudini.
How do you pronounce it?
/a.biˈtu.di.ne/. It has 5 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word costume is a 'false friend' for English speakers. While it can mean 'custom', it is more frequently used in Italian to mean 'swimsuit' or 'costume'.
- In Italian, the concept of a 'bad habit' is often expressed as vizio, which also translates to 'vice'. This links the idea of a personal custom to a moral failing.
- The Latin root of abitudine implies a 'state of dwelling', suggesting that a custom is something one 'lives in' or resides within.
Examples in context
- È nostra abitudine toglierci le scarpe quando entriamo in casa.It is our custom to take off our shoes when we enter the house.This sentence shows how to use abitudine to describe a household practice.Tatoeba #6138070 by Guybrush88, translation #24199 by CK
- È un uso comune portare un regalo quando si visita qualcuno.It is a common custom to bring a gift when visiting someone.
- La tradizione del Natale in Italia comprende l'apertura dei regali la mattina di Natale.The Christmas custom in Italy includes opening gifts on Christmas morning.
- È una mia abitudine bere il caffè ogni mattina.It's my custom to drink coffee every morning.
- Questo è il mio modo di fare le cose, è diventato una sorta di abitudine.This is my way of doing things, it has become a sort of custom.
- L'usanza di mangiare pasta con le sardine è tipica della Sicilia.The custom of eating pasta with sardines is typical of Sicily.
- È una consuetudine donare un ramo di mimosa alle donne il 8 marzo.It is a custom to give women a branch of mimosa on March 8th.
- È un'abitudine molto antica della zona.It is a very old custom of the area.
- Non è una nostra abitudine mangiare tardi.It is not our custom to eat late.
Example conversation
Francesco and Giulia are discussing their family traditions over coffee.
- FrancescoÈ una vecchia abitudine di famiglia festeggiare così.It is an old family custom to celebrate like this.
- GiuliaÈ una bellissima abitudine, Francesco.It is a beautiful custom, Francesco.
- FrancescoSì, la rispettiamo sempre con gioia.Yes, we always respect it with joy.
- GiuliaMi piace molto questo modo di fare.I really like this way of doing things.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry abitudine, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries abitudine, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
