dominio
/doˈmi.njo/
The English word "dominion" is translated into Italian as dominio.
dominio is used to express power or the use of power, and sovereignty over something. In technical contexts, it is also the term used to refer to a web domain name.
Meaning: power or the use of power, sovereignty over something (noun)
Which one should you use?
While dominio can express sovereignty, if you are speaking in everyday conversation about having control over a specific subject or a skill, the word controllo is more common.
How does it change in a sentence?
dominio is a masculine noun. Its plural form is domini.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /doˈmi.njo/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian music theory, dominante is the term for the 'dominant' fifth note of a scale, deriving from the same root as dominio because it creates a strong tension that pulls the harmony back to the home key.
- While dominio relates to power, the Italian word for a 'domestic' setting is domestico, sharing the same Latin root referring to the 'domus' or house.
- While dominio can mean sovereignty, using it to describe your control over an emotion or a person can often sound unnaturally aggressive or archaic in modern Italian.
Examples in context
- Il re ha un grande dominio sul territorio.The king has great dominion over the territory.
- Non voglio cedere il mio dominio su questa materia.I do not want to relinquish my dominion over this subject.
Example conversation
Chiara and Lorenzo are discussing a historical novel.
- ChiaraChiara, guarda come il cattivo cerca il dominio totale.Chiara, look how the villain seeks total dominion.
- LorenzoSì, Lorenzo, è un personaggio molto ambizioso.Yes, Lorenzo, he is a very ambitious character.
- ChiaraCredi che riuscirà a mantenere il suo dominio?Do you think he will manage to maintain his dominion?
- LorenzoNo, penso che cadrà presto.No, I think he will fall soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry dominio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
