dorato
/doˈra.to/
The English word "gilded" is translated into Italian as dorato.
dorato is an adjective used to describe something that is made of gold or covered by a thin layer of gold.
Meaning: made of gold or covered by a thin layer of gold (adj)
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between dorato and the phrase d'oro. While dorato means something is gilded or covered in gold, d'oro is used to describe an object that is made entirely of gold.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective dorato must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use dorata for feminine singular nouns, dorati for masculine plural nouns and dorate for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable. The IPA pronunciation is /doˈra.to/.
Did you know?
- In Italian culinary terms, dorato is the standard word for 'browned'. When a chef asks you to let something dorare, they are telling you to fry or sauté it until it reaches a golden-brown color.
- While 'gilded' in English often implies something is fake or deceptive, calling something dorato in Italian remains a neutral or even positive descriptor for aesthetic beauty.
- While dorato refers to the color or gilding, the phrase cuore d'oro is the standard way to describe a person with a 'heart of gold', never cuore dorato.
Examples in context
- Questo specchio ha una splendida cornice dorata.This mirror has a splendid gilded frame.
- una cornice dorataA gilded frame
- Questo è un bellissimo quadro dorato.This is a beautiful gilded painting.
- Ha comprato un orlo dorato per l'abito.She bought a gilded edge for the dress.
Example conversation
Martina and Alessandro are looking at antiques in a shop.
- MartinaGuarda questo specchio dorato, Alessandro!Look at this gilded mirror, Alessandro!
- AlessandroÈ davvero splendido, Martina.It is truly splendid, Martina.
- MartinaPensi che sia troppo costoso?Do you think it is too expensive?
- AlessandroForse, ma la cornice è perfetta.Perhaps, but the frame is perfect.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry dorato, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
