duca
/ˈdu.ka/
The English word 'duke' is duca in Italian.
duca is a noun used to refer to a male holder of a dukedom.
Meaning: male holder of a dukedom (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine plural form of duca is duchi, while the feminine form is duchessa.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdu.ka/. The stress is on the first of the two syllables.
Did you know?
- While duca is the title, the term ducato refers to both the territory ruled by a duke and a gold coin once minted in various Italian city-states.
- Although duca means 'duke', it is a close relative of the Italian word duce, which was famously used by Benito Mussolini. While they share an etymological root, their modern political connotations are vastly different.
- The word duca shares a common ancestor with the English word 'doge', such as the historical ruler of Venice. Both words trace back to the same Latin and Greek roots describing a leader or guide.
Examples in context
- Il Duca possiede molte terre.The duke holds a lot of land.This sentence shows how to describe a duke's land ownership using duca.Tatoeba #896920 by matsuteo, translation #48015 by CK
- Una ciliegia avvelenata può uccidere un duca.A poisoned cherry may kill a duke.This sentence uses duca in a sentence about a poisoned cherry.Tatoeba #4228678 by Guybrush88, translation #2027776 by halfb1t
- Il duca vive in un castello.The duke lives in a castle.
Example conversation
Matteo and Giulia are discussing a history book at a cafe.
- MatteoHai letto del duca in questo libro?Have you read about the duke in this book?
- GiuliaSì, la storia del duca è affascinante.Yes, the duke's story is fascinating.
- MatteoÈ un personaggio molto coraggioso.He is a very courageous character.
- GiuliaHai ragione, Matteo.You are right, Matteo.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry duca, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries duca, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
