marmotta
/marˈmɔt.ta/
The English word "groundhog" is translated into Italian as marmotta.
The term refers to a stout rodent that lives in burrows and is known for hibernating.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word marmotta is grammatically a feminine noun, even though it is often used in masculine contexts when referring to the animal in general. To form the plural, change the final a to e to get marmotte.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable: /marˈmɔt.ta/.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the word marmotta is often used colloquially to describe a person who sleeps a lot or stays in bed for long periods, similar to the English 'sleepyhead'.
- While English speakers celebrate 'Groundhog Day', Italians generally do not have a corresponding cultural holiday, meaning marmotta is rarely mentioned in February.
- The Italian word marmotta was borrowed from the French word marmotte.
Examples in context
- La marmotta è un animale unico e interessante.The groundhog is a unique and interesting animal.
- La marmotta è uscita dal suo scavo.The groundhog came out of its burrow.
- Ho visto una marmotta nel bosco.I saw a groundhog in the woods.
- La marmotta è uscita dal suo buco.The groundhog came out of its hole.
- Guarda quella marmotta che mangia l'erba.Look at that groundhog eating the grass.
Example conversation
Chiara and Francesco are hiking in the Alps.
- ChiaraGuarda, Francesco! C'è una marmotta là.Look, Francesco! There is a groundhog over there.
- FrancescoDavvero? Dove si trova?Really? Where is it?
- ChiaraLa marmotta è proprio vicino a quel sasso.The groundhog is right next to that rock.
- FrancescoÈ incredibile, sta mangiando l'erba.It's incredible, it's eating grass.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry marmotta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries marmotta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
