genio
/ˈd͡ʒɛ.njo/
The English phrase 'genius' is translated into Italian as genio.
genio refers to someone possessing extraordinary intelligence or skill. In specific contexts, it can also refer to a person's temperament or disposition, such as describing someone as having a capricious temperament.
Meaning: someone possessing extraordinary intelligence or skill (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
genio is a masculine noun. Its plural form is geni. As a masculine noun, it follows standard noun-adjective agreement.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈdʒɛ.njo/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian, genio can refer to a military engineer who specializes in fortifications and demolitions, known as Genio militare.
- While an English speaker might call someone a 'genius' to praise them, an Italian might use genio sarcastically to describe someone who has done something incredibly foolish or clumsy.
- The English word 'genius' and the Italian genio both share the same Latin root, which originally referred to a tutelary spirit or a guardian much like a 'guiding spirit'.
Examples in context
- Lei è un genio.She is a genius.This sentence is useful for stating that someone is a genius using genio.Tatoeba #927090 by Guybrush88, translation #927087 by sundown
- Tom è un genio?Is Tom a genius?This sentence is useful for asking if Tom is a genius using genio.Tatoeba #3533297 by Guybrush88, translation #2262066 by CK
- Non è un genio.He's no genius.This sentence is useful for saying someone is no genius using genio.Tatoeba #8495487 by Guybrush88, translation #8478592 by CH
- Il distinto Signor Rossi è un vero genio nel campo della matematica.The distinguished Mr. Rossi is a true genius in the field of mathematics.
- Questo scienziato è una persona di eccezionale intelligenza.This scientist is a person of exceptional intelligence.
- Mario? È un fenomeno in cucina, non c'è piatto che non riesca a preparare bene!Mario? He's a genius in the kitchen, there's no dish he can't cook well!
- Il batterista di quella band è un asso, dà ritmo come nessun altro!That band's drummer is a genius, he sets the rhythm like no one else!
- Non so come lo faccia, ma mio fratello è un vero mago con i computer!I don't know how he does it, but my brother is a true genius with computers!
- 107 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Francesco are discussing a difficult puzzle.
- ChiaraHai risolto il puzzle in un minuto!You solved the puzzle in one minute!
- FrancescoNon è nulla di speciale, Chiara.It's nothing special, Chiara.
- ChiaraNo, Francesco, sei proprio un genio!No, Francesco, you really are a genius!
- FrancescoGrazie mille, sei molto gentile.Thank you very much, you are very kind.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry genio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries genio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
