discorso
/disˈkor.so/masculine
The English phrase 'discourse' is translated into Italian as discorso.
discorso is the standard word for a formal speech or a talk given by a person. While it can mean 'discourse' in an academic or linguistic sense, discorso is the standard word for a formal speech or a talk given by a person. To say 'to give a speech' or 'to make a speech', Italians use the verb 'fare' (to do/make) with discorso.
Meaning: expression in (spoken or written) words (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
discorso is a masculine noun. This means it takes masculine articles and adjectives, such as il discorso (the speech) or un lungo discorso (a long speech).
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /disˈkor.so/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word discorso originates from the Latin discursus, which literally described the action of 'running to and fro'.
- In Italian, the phrase fare un discorso can describe a formal lecture, but it is also used colloquially when someone is lecturing or scolding another person.
- The idiom non ha senso questo discorso is often used to criticize a person's flawed logic rather than just the words they are saying.
Examples in context
- L'attendibilità è spesso carente nel discorso politico.Accountability is often lacking in political discourse.This sentence shows how discorso can be used in the context of political discourse.Tatoeba #13203325 by Nuel, translation #13203324 by Nuel
- Cancella fino all'inizio del discorso o del testo, togli il soggetto o ricomincia da capo.Erase to the start of discourse or text, drop the subject or start over.This sentence uses discorso to refer to a piece of discourse or text.Tatoeba #1616248 by hitori37, translation #1616246 by nonong
- Il presidente ha tenuto un discorso sulle politiche economiche.The president delivered a speech on economic policies.
- L'orazione del sindaco ha toccato molti punti importanti.The mayor's oration touched upon many important points.
- Abbiamo avuto una chiacchierata interessante sulla vita.We had an interesting chat about life.
- Ho ascoltato il tuo discorsetto e mi hai convinto.I listened to your little speech, and you convinced me.
Example conversation
Martina and Lorenzo are discussing a presentation they just watched.
- MartinaTi è piaciuto il discorso di ieri?Did you like yesterday's speech?
- LorenzoSì, Lorenzo ha fatto un ottimo discorso.Yes, Lorenzo gave a great speech.
- MartinaHai ragione, era molto chiaro.You are right, it was very clear.
- LorenzoGrazie, Martina, sono felice che ti sia piaciuto.Thanks, Martina, I'm glad you liked it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “discourse” translations and entries discorso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries discorso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
