dorato
/doˈra.to/
The Italian word for golden is dorato.
dorato is used to describe something that is golden in color or has been gilded.
Meaning: made of, or relating to, gold (adj)
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between dorato and d'oro. Use dorato to describe something that looks golden or is gilded, but use d'oro if you want to specify that an object is actually made of gold.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective 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 second syllable: /doˈra.to/.
Did you know?
- In Italian cooking, the term dorato is frequently used to describe food that has been browned or seared until golden, such as 'golden-brown' onions.
- The adjective dorato is actually a past participle, originating from the verb dorare, which means 'to gild' or 'to cover with gold'.
- While dorato describes something that looks golden, the phrase un cuore d'oro is used to describe a person with a heart of gold. Even though the person is not literally made of metal, the prepositional phrase d'oro is the standard way to express this high level of kindness.
Examples in context
- Questo coltello è dorato.This knife is golden.This sentence shows how to use dorato to describe an object.Tatoeba #13508595 by Guybrush88, translation #11877136 by zogwarg
- Raccogli l'uovo dorato.Grab the golden egg.This sentence illustrates the use of dorato with a noun.Tatoeba #5070410 by Guybrush88, translation #4398835 by XenoKat
- La cornice è dorata.The frame is golden.
- Il tuo braccialetto è d'oro!Your bracelet is golden!
- Mi piacciono queste scarpe doratine.I like these little golden shoes.
- Il bordo del quadro è dorato.The edge of the frame is golden.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Giulia are looking at a piece of jewelry in a shop.
- AlessandroGuarda questo anello, è bellissimo.Look at this ring, it is beautiful.
- GiuliaSì, ma sembra solo dorato, non d'oro.Yes, but it only looks golden, not made of gold.
- AlessandroHai ragione, Giulia, è solo un rivestimento.You are right, Giulia, it is only a coating.
- GiuliaAllora cerchiamo qualcosa di più prezioso.Then let's look for something more precious.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry dorato, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dorato, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
