laurea
/ˈlaw.re.a/
The Italian word for graduation is laurea.
laurea refers to both the academic degree obtained and the commencement ceremony itself. It is specifically used for university graduation.
Meaning: a commencement ceremony (noun)
Which one should you use?
laurea is used specifically for graduating from university. It is not used for graduating from high school or middle school, which would instead use the term diploma.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of laurea is /ˈlaw.re.a/. It has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the word graduazione to refer to a commencement ceremony. In Italian, graduazione refers to a ranking or a gradual process rather than an academic degree.
Did you know?
- It is common to see graduates wearing a corona d'alloro, a laurel wreath, on their heads for several days after their laurea ceremony.
- In Italy, the crowning achievement of the laurea is the discussione, a formal defense where the student must present their thesis and answer questions from a committee.
- If you celebrate a graduation in Italy, you might see friends wearing sashes or even costumes, a practice often linked to the ceremony's festive nature.
Examples in context
- Cosa farà dopo la laurea?What will you do after graduation?This sentence is useful for asking about someone's plans after their laurea.Tatoeba #4617970 by Guybrush88, translation #274531 by CK
- Cosa farai dopo la laurea?What'll you do after graduation?Tatoeba #4617967 by Guybrush88, translation #7868749 by CK
- Sarà in ritardo per la laurea.You're gonna be late for the graduation.This sentence is useful for noting that someone will be late for their laurea.Tatoeba #9448722 by Guybrush88, translation #6311109 by OsoHombre
- Congratulazioni per la tua laurea!Congratulations on your graduation!
- Quando è la tua cerimonia di laurea?When is your graduation ceremony?
- Sono così orgoglioso/a di te per esserti laureato/a!I'm so proud of you for graduating!
- Cosa hai in programma dopo la laurea?What are your plans after graduation?
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Martina are talking about their university studies.
- MatteoQuando sarà la tua laurea, Martina?When is your graduation, Martina?
- MartinaSarà il prossimo mese, sono felicissima!It will be next month, I am so happy!
- MatteoCongratulazioni! Dove festeggerai la laurea?Congratulations! Where will you celebrate your graduation?
- MartinaFarò una cena con tutta la famiglia.I will have a dinner with all the family.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry laurea, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
