Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| grazia | /ˈɡrat.sja/ /ˈɡrat.t͡sja/ |
feminine |
| eleganza | /e.leˈɡan.t͡sa/ | feminine |
| garbo | /ˈɡar.bo/ | masculine |
| leggiadria | /led.d͡ʒaˈdri.a/ | feminine |
The term is used to describe elegant movement, poise or balance. Related to this concept are the verbs adornare and abbellire, which mean to adorn, decorate, embellish or dignify.
Which one should you use?
While grazia refers to a natural and fluid poise, eleganza is used to describe a more sophisticated, polished or high-fashion style of appearance. If you are referring to social grace, tact or politeness in manners rather than physical movement, use the masculine form garbo.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Naples, the phrase Di questa mangiata, pure se nun è bbuona, ringraziammo Dio lo stesso is used to mean 'For this meal, even if it isn't good, we still thank God'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word grazia is a feminine noun. To express the adjective 'graceful', use the masculine grazioso or the feminine graziosa. The name Grazia is also used as a female given name.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of grazia is /ˈɡrat.sja/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
When do people say it?
In formal settings, the word Preghiamo is used to signal 'Let us pray' to begin grace.
Did you know?
- In Italy, grazia can refer to a legal pardon or a 'grace period', moving the concept from beauty to the exercise of mercy.
- The Italian word garbo for social grace may have originated from the Arabic word qālib, which means 'model' or 'outline'.
- In Italian, the adjective grazioso is often used to describe something as 'cute' or 'pretty' rather than just 'graceful'.
Examples in context
- Lola danzò con grazia.Lola danced with grace.This sentence shows how to use grazia to describe dancing.Tatoeba #424370 by Pharamp, translation #29393 by al_ex_an_der
- Gestisce le cose con grazia.She handles things with grace.This sentence demonstrates using grazia to describe handling situations.Tatoeba #13223005 by Nuel, translation #13223004 by Nuel
- La grazia non è ancora venuta.Grace has not come yet.This sentence uses grazia in a more abstract or spiritual sense.Tatoeba #3792729 by Guybrush88, translation #62778 by CN
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Francesco are watching a ballet rehearsal.
- GiuliaQuella ballerina si muove con grande grazia.That dancer moves with great grace.
- FrancescoSì, ha una grazia incredibile.Yes, she has incredible grace.
- GiuliaOgni suo gesto ha una grazia naturale.Every gesture of hers has a natural grace.
- FrancescoÈ davvero un piacere guardarla.It is truly a pleasure to watch her.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grace” translations and entries grazia, eleganza, garbo, leggiadria, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries eleganza, garbo, grazia, leggiadria, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
