Which one should you use?
While epico is used traditionally to describe grand or heroic stories, it is also frequently used in a colloquial sense to describe something as extraordinary or impressive.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In formal contexts, epico is the standard translation for 'epic'. To describe something extraordinary or heroic, you might use eroico or if you are describing a truly grand musical or artistic performance, maestoso is an ideal choice. To refer to a legendary event or an iconic figure, mitico is a good option. In informal or slang contexts, you can use epico/a to sound more casual or use the slang term fico to mean 'cool' or 'awesome'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The slang terms fichissimo or fichissima, meaning 'incredibly cool' or 'mind-blowing', are used in Rome and Central Italy.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the adjective changes to match the gender and number of the noun it describes: epico is masculine singular, epica is feminine singular, epici is masculine plural and epiche is feminine plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɛ.pi.ko/. The word has three syllables and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word fico, used as a casual alternative to epico, originally referred to a 'fig' and was once a vulgar gesture of contempt.
- The word epico is built from the Ancient Greek 'epos', which literally translates to 'word' or 'story'.
- While English speakers use 'epic' as a general adjective for anything impressive, an Italian might find epico a bit too heavy or literary if used for mundane things like a sandwich.
Examples in context
- Fu un fallimento epico.It was an epic fail.This sentence shows how to use epico to describe a failure.Tatoeba #7770247 by Guybrush88, translation #7770219 by Hybrid
- Questo è un poema epico.This is an epic poem.This sentence shows epico used in the context of a poem.Tatoeba #5324812 by Guybrush88, translation #1841214 by Spamster
- Questo è un romanzo epico.This is an epic novel.This sentence shows epico used in the context of a novel.Tatoeba #2168453 by Guybrush88, translation #1841221 by CK
- L'Iliade di Omero è un poema epicoHomer's Iliad is an epic poem
- Quella partita di calcio è stata epica!That soccer match was epic!
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a concert they attended.
- SofiaIl concerto di ieri è stato epico!Yesterday's concert was epic!
- MatteoSì, davvero un momento epico.Yes, truly an epic moment.
- SofiaMatteo, non lo dimenticherò mai.Matteo, I will never forget it.
- MatteoÈ stata un'esperienza incredibile.It was an incredible experience.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry epico, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries epico, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
