Terra
/ˈtɛr.ra/feminine
The English phrase 'earth' is translated into Italian as Terra.
In this context, Terra refers to the third planet of the Solar System.
Meaning: third planet of the Solar System (name)
Which one should you use?
When referring to the planet Earth as a proper noun, the word is capitalized as Terra. This distinguishes it from the common noun terra, which refers to any general rock-based material.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The name of the planet is a feminine noun and is typically used with the definite article la, forming la Terra.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and the stress is on the first syllable: /ˈtɛr.ra/.
Did you know?
- The word Terra is an unexpected relative of the English word 'dry', as both stem from the ancient Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to dry'.
- The word terra is often used in the expression terra terra, which is a common idiom meaning 'down to earth' or 'very basic'.
- In electrical terms, an Italian electrician uses the word terra to refer to the 'ground' or 'earth' wire of a circuit to prevent shocks.
Examples in context
- La Terra è piatta.The earth is flat.This sentence is useful for illustrating the use of Terra in a sentence about the shape of the planet.Tatoeba #11250638 by Guybrush88, translation #6011146 by mailohilohi
- La Terra è malata.The earth is sick.This sentence is useful for illustrating the use of Terra when describing the planet's condition.Tatoeba #11250687 by Guybrush88, translation #10345756 by shekitten
- La Terra è rotonda.The earth is round.This sentence is useful for illustrating the use of Terra to describe the planet's shape.Tatoeba #2157930 by Guybrush88, translation #277121 by CK
- La Terra è il nostro pianeta.Earth is our planet.
- Il mondo è pieno di bellezze naturali.The Earth is full of natural beauties.
- 215 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Matteo are looking at the stars through a telescope.
- SofiaLa Terra sembra lontanissima da qui.The Earth looks very far away from here.
- MatteoSì, è un punto azzurro nel cielo.Yes, it is a blue dot in the sky.
- SofiaÈ incredibile quanto sia bellissima la Terra.It is incredible how beautiful the Earth is.
- MatteoHai proprio ragione, Sofia.You are absolutely right, Sofia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “earth” translations and entries Terra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Terra, terra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
