criceto
/kriˈt͡ʃe.to/masculine
The Italian word for hamster is criceto.
criceto is a masculine noun used to refer to the rodent species belonging to the Cricetinae. When describing hamsters, you might use the adjective peloso/a for furry or giocoso/a for playful. Common related terms include criceto nano for dwarf hamster, ruota per criceti for hamster wheel and cibo per criceti for hamster food.
Meaning: rodent species belonging to the Cricetinae (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular masculine form is criceto, and the plural form is criceti.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /kriˈtʃe.to/.
Did you know?
- The Italian word criceto was borrowed from the Latin word Cricetus, which itself came from the Czech word křeček.
- If you want to describe a pet hamster as 'chubby' in an adorable way, Italians prefer the word cicciottello over the more literal 'fat' term grasso.
- Because criceto is a masculine noun, even a female hamster is referred to as il criceto unless the speaker specifically adds femmina for clarity.
Examples in context
- Oslvaldo ha un criceto nero.Oswald has a black hamster.This sentence illustrates the use of criceto to describe a hamster's color.Tatoeba #7166219 by Guybrush88, translation #7258074 by gcaplan
- Il criceto di Tom è scappato.Tom's hamster escaped.This sentence shows the possessive use of criceto.Tatoeba #5552723 by dnnywld, translation #2240273 by CK
- Corro come un criceto su una ruota.I'm running around like a hamster in a wheel.This sentence uses criceto in a common comparative expression.Tatoeba #2752346 by Guybrush88, translation #2752331 by dipdowel
- Il mio criceto si chiama Palla.My hamster's name is Palla.
- Il mio criceto adora correre nella ruota.My hamster loves running on the wheel.
- I criceti nani sono molto piccoli e carini.Dwarf hamsters are very small and cute.
- Ho appena comprato del nuovo cibo per criceti.I just bought some new hamster food.
- Il mio criceto è molto affettuoso e giocoso.My hamster is very affectionate and playful.
- Ho un criceto come animale domestico.I have a hamster as a pet.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Lorenzo are at a pet store.
- ChiaraGuarda, questo criceto è piccolissimo!Look, this hamster is tiny!
- LorenzoÈ vero, è molto carino.It's true, it's very cute.
- ChiaraVuoi comprare un criceto per tua sorella?Do you want to buy a hamster for your sister?
- LorenzoSì, sarebbe un regalo perfetto.Yes, it would be a perfect gift.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hamster” translations and entries criceto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries criceto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
