Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| terremoto | /ter.reˈmɔ.to/ | masculine |
| sisma | /ˈsiz.ma/ | masculine |
| tremuoto | masculine, obsolete |
The term is used to describe the shaking of the surface of a planet. While terremoto is the standard everyday word, you may encounter other terms depending on the context.
What does it mean word for word?
The word terremoto is a combination of terra, meaning earth and moto, meaning movement.
Which one should you use?
Terremoto is the common, everyday term for an earthquake. In contrast, sisma is a more technical or formal term often used in scientific, journalistic or official contexts. You may also see scossa used as a general way to describe a shaking sensation or an earthquake.
How does it change in a sentence?
Terremoto and sisma are both masculine nouns. The plural form of terremoto is terremoti, and the plural form of sisma is sismi. The word tremuoto is an obsolete form.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of terremoto is /ter.reˈmɔ.to/. It has four syllables, with the stress on the third syllable.
Did you know?
- The word terremoto can also be used figuratively in Italian to describe a person or an event that causes a massive social upheaval or scandal.
- If you feel a small tremor, you might call it a scossa di assestamento, which literally translates to a 'settling shake'.
- The word terremoto comes from the Latin word terraemotus.
Examples in context
- È stato un terremoto?Was that an earthquake?This sentence is useful for asking if an event was an earthquake.Tatoeba #8850747 by Guybrush88, translation #8802859 by CM
- È pronto per un terremoto.He is ready for an earthquake.This sentence shows a person being prepared for an earthquake.Tatoeba #4599991 by Guybrush88, translation #301468 by CK
- Tom non sentì il terremoto.Tom didn't feel the earthquake.This sentence describes someone not feeling the earthquake.Tatoeba #5361575 by Guybrush88, translation #2541716 by CK
- Le notizie sul terremoto in centro Italia sono preoccupanti.The news about the earthquake in central Italy is concerning.
- Hanno registrato una forte scossa tellurica nella regione settentrionale.They have recorded a strong earthquake in the northern region.
- L'evento sismico ha causato danni considerevoli.The seismic event has caused significant damage.
- Hai sentito il terremotino stamattina?Did you feel the small earthquake this morning?
- Quella scossa ieri è stata un vero scossone!That shake yesterday was a real big one!
- 97 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Martina are talking after feeling the ground shake.
- MatteoHai sentito questo terremoto, Martina?Did you feel this earthquake, Martina?
- MartinaSì, Matteo, è stato molto forte.Yes, Matteo, it was very strong.
- MatteoSpero che non ci siano danni.I hope there is no damage.
- MartinaSperiamo, usciamo subito di casa.Let's hope so, let's leave the house immediately.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “earthquake” translations and entries terremoto, sisma, tremuoto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sisma, terremoto, tremuoto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
