saggio
/ˈsad.d͡ʒo/masculine
The English word 'essay' can be translated into Italian as saggio. Wiktionary also lists ricerca.
Meaning: written composition (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| saggio | /ˈsad.d͡ʒo/ | masculine |
| ricerca | /riˈt͡ʃer.ka/ | feminine |
In Italian, an essay is a written composition. The term saggio breve is the standard way to refer to a short essay, often used in school or university assignments.
Which one should you use?
While saggio refers to a formal essay or treatise, ricerca is often used in academic contexts to refer to a research paper or a study.
How do you pronounce it?
saggio is pronounced /ˈsad.dʒo/. The stress is on the first of two syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers might confuse saggio with the adjective saggio (meaning wise), but in the context of writing, it means an essay.
Did you know?
- Italian uses the word saggio to describe a 'recital' or a 'demonstration' of skills, such as a dance or music performance. This comes from the idea of 'testing' or 'trying out' what has been learned.
- The word saggio can also refer to a 'tester' or 'trial' in specific historical contexts, much like the English word 'assay'.
- Because of its link to the Latin 'sapio', the word saggio shares an ancestral root with the English word 'sage'.
Examples in context
- Ho scritto un saggio.I wrote an essay.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of saggio to state that you wrote an essay.Tatoeba #10453653 by Guybrush88, translation #10349818 by ddnktr
- Scrivi un saggio breve.Write a short essay.This sentence shows how to use saggio when instructing someone to write a short essay.Tatoeba #4852644 by Guybrush88, translation #1114890 by CM
- Ha letto il mio saggio?Have you read my essay?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has read your saggio.Tatoeba #8161624 by Guybrush88, translation #6040454 by mailohilohi
- Nel corso di letteratura italiana, dobbiamo scrivere un saggio sul tema della poesia contemporanea.In our Italian literature course, we have to write an essay on the topic of contemporary poetry.
- Durante gli esami finali, gli studenti devono svolgere una composizione sul tema assegnato dal professore.During the final exams, students have to write an essay on the topic assigned by the professor.
- Questo fine settimana devo scrivere un saggio breve sulla storia dell'arte.This weekend, I have to write a short essay on art history.
- Il professore ci ha chiesto di scrivere un tema sulle conseguenze del cambiamento climatico.The professor asked us to write an essay on the consequences of climate change.
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Martina are studying in a library.
- MartinaDevi finire il tuo saggio entro domani.You have to finish your essay by tomorrow.
- LorenzoLo so, ma è molto difficile.I know, but it is very difficult.
- MartinaVuoi che ti aiuti con la stesura?Do you want me to help you with the writing?
- LorenzoSì, grazie mille, Martina.Yes, thank you very much, Martina.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “essay” translations and entries saggio, ricerca, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ricerca, saggio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
