casa isolata
feminine
The English phrase 'detached house' is translated into Italian as casa isolata. If unsure, use casa isolata. It is also spelled abitazione isolata.
Meaning: free-standing family dwelling unit (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | Note |
|---|---|
| casa isolata | feminine |
| abitazione isolata | feminine, alternative form |
The term is used to describe a free-standing family dwelling unit. In formal contexts, you might use Villetta unifamiliare, which literally means 'single-family villa' or Villa to refer to a substantial, luxurious property with spacious grounds, often representing an upscale detached house.
Which one should you use?
While casa isolata emphasizes the physical separation from other buildings, the term casa indipendente is a common real estate term used to describe a house that does not share walls with neighbors.
Did you know?
- In Italy, a villa is not always a vacation home. In a modern city context, it is the standard term for a high-end detached house that serves as a primary residence.
- The word casa was originally used in Latin to describe a 'hut' or a 'small cottage', which is much humbler than its modern meaning of a permanent home.
- In Italian, the diminutive villetta is used for a detached house, but it does not necessarily mean the house is 'little'. It implies a cozy, prestigious suburban style regardless of the actual square footage.
Examples in context
- La villa è situata in una zona residenziale esclusiva.The detached house is located in an exclusive residential area.
- Sto cercando di acquistare una villetta unifamiliare con un bel giardino.I'm trying to buy a detached house with a beautiful garden.
- Hai visto quella casa indipendente vicino al fiume?Did you see that detached house near the river?
Example conversation
Francesco and Chiara are looking at real estate listings online.
- FrancescoGuarda questa casa isolata in collina!Look at this detached house on the hill!
- ChiaraÈ bellissima, ma costa troppo.It is beautiful, but it costs too much.
- FrancescoVogliamo davvero una casa isolata, Chiara.We really want a detached house, Chiara.
- ChiaraSì, ma cerchiamo qualcosa di più economico.Yes, but let's look for something cheaper.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “detached house” translations and entries casa isolata, abitazione isolata, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries abitazione, casa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
