est
/ˈɛst/masculine
In Italian, the word for east is est. Wiktionary also lists oriente and levante.
Meaning: compass point (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| est | /ˈɛst/ | masculine |
| oriente | /oˈrjɛn.te/ | masculine |
| levante | /leˈvan.te/ | masculine |
The term is used to identify the cardinal direction. You can also use the phrases da est to mean 'from the East', a est or verso est to mean 'towards the east'.
Which one should you use?
Use est when referring specifically to the cardinal direction on a compass. Use oriente when referring to the East as a geopolitical or geographical region. Use levante in literary, poetic or historical contexts, particularly when referring to the Mediterranean Levant.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using est as a direction, it is often preceded by the preposition a or verso without an article.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɛst/
Did you know?
- The word est in Italian was actually borrowed from French, which had previously borrowed it from Old English ēast.
- While est is the standard compass point, using levante can instantly change the tone of your speech from technical to poetic.
Examples in context
- Si diriga verso est.Head east.This sentence demonstrates the use of est for giving directions.Tatoeba #8633172 by Guybrush88, translation #8102686 by CK
- Stiamo andando ad est.We're going east.This sentence shows how to express movement towards the east using est.Tatoeba #6471222 by Guybrush88, translation #2240775 by CK
- Sta andando verso est.He's going east.This sentence illustrates directing someone toward the east using est.Tatoeba #8491164 by Guybrush88, translation #8480168 by CH
- Dov'è la spiaggia più bella? Allora, devi andare verso est!Where is the most beautiful beach? Well, you need to go east!
- 52 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Matteo are looking at a map of the city.
- GiuliaIl mare si trova a est.The sea is to the east.
- MatteoAllora dobbiamo girare a destra.Then we need to turn right.
- GiuliaSì, l'est è da quella parte.Yes, the east is that way.
- MatteoPerfetto, ora camminiamo.Perfect, let's walk now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “east” translations and entries est, oriente, levante, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries est, levante, oriente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
