Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| entrata | /enˈtra.ta/ | feminine |
| ingresso | /inˈɡrɛs.so/ | masculine |
The term refers to a place of entering. While both words translate to 'entrance', they are used in different contexts: one for the concept or act of entry and one for a physical location.
Which one should you use?
ingresso is the preferred term when referring to a physical point of entry, such as a door, a gate or a specific entrance to a building. In contrast, entrata is often used to refer to the act of entering or the concept of an entry, such as an entry in a ledger or an income/revenue.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
entrata is a feminine noun, while ingresso is a masculine noun. When forming the compound noun phrase for 'entrance exam', the masculine form is used: esame di ingresso.
How do you pronounce it?
/enˈtra.ta/ (3 syllables, stress on the 2nd syllable)
When do people say it?
If you need to ask someone about an entrance, you can use scusi (excuse me) before asking your question.
Did you know?
- If you see a sign saying ingresso libero, it does not mean the door is open but that 'admission is free'.
- Italian uses entrata to describe the 'entrance' of a musical piece or a performer's first appearance on stage.
- The word ingresso comes directly from the Latin ingressus, which shares the same root as the English word 'ingress'.
Examples in context
- Vedi l'entrata del parco?Do you see the entrance of the park?This sentence shows how to identify the entrance of a park using entrata.Tatoeba #1117533 by Guybrush88, translation #1118627 by CM
- Tom fallì l'esame di ingresso.Tom failed the entrance exam.This sentence demonstrates the use of ingresso in the compound phrase for an entrance exam.Tatoeba #13944947 by Guybrush88, translation #5737423 by CM
- Due cani sorvegliano l'ingresso.Two dogs guard the entrance.This sentence illustrates how ingresso is used to describe a physical entrance being guarded.Tatoeba #12761916 by Guybrush88, translation #5112152 by CarpeLanam
- Scusi, dov'è l'ingresso del museo?Excuse me, where is the entrance to the museum?
- Prego, segua questo cartello per trovare l'ingresso principale.Please, follow this sign to find the main entrance.
- L'ingresso alla mostra sarà consentito solo con biglietto.Entrance to the exhibition will only be permitted with a ticket.
- Sai dov'è l'entrata del supermercato?Do you know where the entrance to the supermarket is?
- L'entrata del parco è proprio di fianco al bar.The entrance to the park is right next to the bar.
- L'entrata costa solo due euro.The entrance fee is only two euros.
- 62 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is looking for the entrance to a museum.
- FrancescoDove si trova l'entrata del museo?Where is the museum entrance?
- ChiaraL'entrata è proprio dietro quel muro.The entrance is right behind that wall.
- FrancescoGrazie, l'ho vista!Thanks, I saw it!
- ChiaraAndiamo allora, Francesco.Let's go then, Francesco.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “entrance” translations and entries entrata, ingresso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries entrata, ingresso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
