Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| buio | /ˈbu.jo/ |
| oscuro | /osˈku.ro/ |
| fosco | /ˈfos.ko/ |
| tetro | /ˈtɛ.tro/ |
Italian uses different words for dark depending on whether you are describing a physical lack of light, an intellectual concept or a heavy emotional atmosphere. While buio is used for describing the state of being dark, you can also use oscuro for things that are physically dim or hard to see. If you want to describe something that is shadowy, use ombroso, something that is nocturnal, use notturno or something that is gloomy, use tenebroso.
Which one should you use?
buio is frequently used as a noun to refer to the state of darkness or the absence of light. oscuro is more formal or literary. It describes things that are physically dim or hard to see, but it is also used metaphorically to mean 'obscure' or 'unclear' in an intellectual sense. tetro is a literary term used for darkness that carries a heavy, gloomy or sinister emotional tone.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word oscurità is the standard noun used to describe the abstract concept of darkness or a state of being dark. To express the transition of light, such as 'it is getting dark,' Italians use the expression fare buio.
How do you pronounce it?
buio is pronounced /ˈbu.jo/ and has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word buio has an unexpected connection to the colour red, as it is thought to derive from a Vulgar Latin term meaning 'reddish-brown'.
Examples in context
- Io odio il buio.I hate the dark.This sentence shows how to express a dislike for the state of darkness using buio.Tatoeba #12922542 by Guybrush88, translation #8912807 by CK
- Fuori è già buio.It's already dark outside.This sentence illustrates how to describe the current lighting state outside using buio.Tatoeba #934263 by Guybrush88, translation #934262 by CM
- Ha paura del buio?Are you afraid of the dark?This sentence uses buio to ask about a fear of the dark.Tatoeba #954954 by Guybrush88, translation #953097 by CK
- La notte era scura e silenziosa.The night was dark and silent.
- Ha gli occhi scuri e misteriosi.He/She has dark and mysterious eyes.
- Oggi fa buio presto.It gets dark early today.
- Non vedo niente, è buio totale.I can't see anything, it's pitch dark.
- 246 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Lorenzo are entering a room with the lights off.
- ChiaraPerché è così buio qui dentro?Why is it so dark in here?
- LorenzoNon ho ancora acceso la luce.I haven't turned on the light yet.
- ChiaraFai presto, non vedo niente.Hurry up, I can't see anything.
- LorenzoEcco, ora non è più buio.There, now it's not dark anymore.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dark” translations and entries buio, oscuro, fosco, tetro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries buio, fosco, oscuro, tetro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
