diverso
/diˈvɛr.so/
The English word "different" is translated into Italian as diverso.
diverso is an adjective used to describe things that are not the same. When you want to say something is "different from" something else, use the preposition da after the adjective, forming the phrase diverso da. Additionally, while diverso means "different", it is also frequently used to mean "various" or "diverse" in a collective sense.
Meaning: not the same (adj)
Which one should you use?
In addition to meaning "different", diverso can be used to mean "various" or "diverse" when referring to a group. For more formal contexts, you may use distinto to emphasize a clear distinction or a marked difference.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, diverso must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. The masculine singular form is diverso, the feminine singular form is diversa, the masculine plural form is diversi and the feminine plural form is diverse.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /diˈvɛr.so/.
Did you know?
- In a social or political context, the term diverso is often used as a polite euphemism to refer to people who are LGBTQ+ or neurodivergent.
- The word diverso shares the same Latin root as the English word 'divert', as both describe a change in direction.
- In Italian, saying è diverso can sometimes imply that something is 'strange' or 'weird' rather than just 'not the same'.
Examples in context
- Lei non è diverso.You're no different.This sentence uses diverso to say someone is no different.Tatoeba #2977130 by Guybrush88, translation #2218222 by CK
- Tom è diverso ora.Tom is different now.This sentence shows how to use diverso to describe someone's change.Tatoeba #5148146 by Guybrush88, translation #5148120 by CK
- È diverso da prima.He's different from before.This sentence demonstrates the use of the preposition da with diverso.Tatoeba #7776157 by ggugliel, translation #293520 by CK
- Quest'idea è diversa dalla mia.This idea is different from mine.
- Abbiamo opinioni diverse.We have different opinions.
- Ha un punto di vista diverso sulla questione.He has a different perspective on the matter.
- Affrontano il problema in modo differente.They approach the problem differently.
- Hanno personalità distinte.They have distinct personalities.
- Questa è un'altra storia.That's a different story.
- Abbiamo gusti musicali diversi.We have different tastes in music.
- Voglio qualcosa di diverso.I want something different.
- 313 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Chiara are looking at two similar-looking shirts in a shop.
- AlessandroQuesto colore è diverso.This color is different.
- ChiaraSì, è un po' diverso da quello.Yes, it is a bit different from that one.
- AlessandroPreferisci un modello diverso?Do you prefer a different model?
- ChiaraNo, questo è perfetto.No, this one is perfect.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry diverso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
