Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| disgusto | /dizˈɡus.to/ | masculine |
| schifo | /ˈski.fo/ | masculine |
| ripugnanza | feminine | |
| ribrezzo | /riˈbred.d͡zo/ | masculine |
The term refers to an intense dislike or repugnance. You can also use the related verbs disgustare, ripugnare and nauseare to express the action of causing such a feeling.
Which one should you use?
While disgusto is a standard noun, schifo is a much more common, colloquial way to express that something is gross or disgusting.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'it disgusts me' using the colloquial term schifo, use the construction mi fa schifo, which literally translates to 'it makes disgust to me'. The adjective for 'disgusting' is disgustoso for masculine subjects and disgustosa for feminine subjects.
How do you pronounce it?
The word disgusto is pronounced /dizˈɡus.to/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
When do people say it?
A very common idiomatic exclamation used to react to something gross or unpleasant is Che schifo!, meaning 'how disgusting!'
Did you know?
- The colloquial term schifo is an ancient relative of the English word 'shy'. Both words share a Germanic root that originally meant being 'timid' or 'fearful' rather than being physically revolted.
- The phrase che schifo can be used to describe moral indignation or outrage at someone's unfair behavior, even if nothing physically gross is present.
- In many contexts, the Italian word schifo can describe a physical environment. For example, you would use it to describe a dirty room rather than just a feeling in your stomach.
Examples in context
- Rifiutò il cibo con disgusto.He refused the food with disgust.This sentence shows how to use disgusto to describe a reaction to food.Tatoeba #3710225 by Guybrush88, translation #2258445 by _undertoad
- far ribrezzo aTo disgust somebodyThis phrase shows how to use ribrezzo to mean 'to disgust somebody'.
- Ho visto un insetto nel mio cibo. Sono disgustato.I saw a bug in my food. I am disgusted.
- Le sue azioni mi hanno disgustato.His/her actions disgusted me.
- Hai visto quel film? Mi fa schifo!Did you see that movie? It makes me sick!
- Quella situazione mi fa ribrezzo.That situation disgusts me.
- L'odore di quella pianta mi dà fastidio.The smell of that plant bothers me.
- Lo schifo che provo è indescrivibile.The disgust I feel is indescribable.
- Ho assaggiato quel cibo, ed è davvero disgustoso.I tasted that food, and it's truly disgusting.
- Il suo comportamento mi ha causato grande disgusto.His behavior caused me great disgust.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Giulia are looking at a spoiled meal.
- FrancescoGuarda questo cibo, che disgusto!Look at this food, what disgust!
- GiuliaHai ragione, Francesco, è terribile.You are right, Francesco, it is terrible.
- FrancescoNon posso nemmeno guardarlo.I cannot even look at it.
- GiuliaButtiamo tutto via subito, Giulia.Let's throw it all away immediately, Giulia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “disgust” translations and entries disgusto, schifo, ripugnanza, ribrezzo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries disgusto, ribrezzo, ripugnanza, schifo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
