asino
/ˈa.zi.no/masculine
The English word donkey is translated into Italian as asino. Wiktionary also lists ciuco and somaro.
Meaning: a domestic animal (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| asino | /ˈa.zi.no/ /ˈa.si.no/ |
masculine |
| ciuco | /ˈt͡ʃu.ko/ | |
| somaro | /soˈma.ro/ | masculine |
| buricco | masculine |
The term refers to the domestic animal. Metaphorically, calling someone an asino is a common way to describe them as stupid or stubborn.
Which one should you use?
asino is the standard, neutral term for the animal. In contrast, ciuco is a more colloquial or rustic term.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While asino is the neutral and standard form, ciuco is considered informal or colloquial. The forms somaro and buricco are also masculine nouns used to refer to the animal.
How does it change in a sentence?
All forms provided are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
asino is pronounced /ˈa.zi.no/. It has three syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word asino shares the same Latin ancestor, asinus, as the English word 'asinine'.
- The term buricco is not only used for the animal but has evolved into a common insult for a person who is clumsy or thick-headed.
Examples in context
- Un asino è grigio.A donkey is gray.This sentence uses asino to describe the color of the animal.Tatoeba #6034695 by Guybrush88, translation #3693316 by andrewgtreantos
- Un asino uccise Tom.A donkey killed Tom.This sentence uses asino to identify the animal involved in an event.Tatoeba #11705257 by WM3DAS, translation #11705109 by shekitten
- Non voglio sembrare un asino.I don't want to look like a donkey.This sentence uses asino in a metaphorical sense regarding behavior.Tatoeba #8670196 by Guybrush88, translation #8668998 by ajje
- Nel villaggio, l'asinello viene utilizzato nei lavori agricoli.In the village, the donkey is used in agricultural work.
- È un animale molto resistente, il somaro.The donkey is a very resilient animal.
- Guarda l'asinello che porta la roba.Look at the donkey carrying the stuff.
- Alla bambina piace molto andare a cavallo sull'asinello.The little girl loves riding on the donkey.
- Puoi dare delle carote all'asinello da mangiare?Can you feed the donkey some carrots?
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Matteo are visiting a small farm.
- GiuliaGuarda quel povero asino, Matteo!Look at that poor donkey, Matteo!
- MatteoSì, è molto bello.Yes, it is very beautiful.
- GiuliaPosso accarezzarlo?Can I pet it?
- MatteoSì, l'asino sembra tranquillo.Yes, the donkey seems calm.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “donkey” translations and entries asino, ciuco, somaro, buricco, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries asino, ciuco, somaro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
