How to Say "Hedgehog" in Italian

riccio

/ˈrit.t͡ʃo/masculine

The English word hedgehog is riccio in Italian.

Meaning: animal (noun)

Which one should you use?

While riccio is the word for the land animal, the phrase riccio di mare is used specifically to refer to a sea urchin.

The plural form of riccio is ricci.

The word has 2 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. The IPA is /ˈrit.tʃo/.

In Italian, riccio is also the word used to describe curly hair. If someone has a perm or naturally curly locks, they are described as riccio.
The word riccio is used in the phrase fare il riccio, which can colloquially describe someone curling up in a fetal position or acting defensive.
The Italian word arricciare means 'to curl' or 'to crinkle'. It shares the same root as riccio and is used for both hair and paper.

Vivo con un riccio.
I live with a hedgehog.
This sentence shows how to use riccio to describe a living companion.
Tatoeba #524395 by Pharamp, translation #524387 by newton
Questo è un riccio.
This is a hedgehog.
This sentence demonstrates how to identify a riccio.
Tatoeba #10703160 by Guybrush88, translation #9464637 by sundown
Ha mai toccato un riccio?
Have you ever touched a hedgehog?
This sentence uses riccio to ask about a physical experience.
Tatoeba #6537492 by Guybrush88, translation #1717360 by Amastan
L'altro giorno ho visto un riccio nel mio giardino.
The other day, I saw a hedgehog in my garden.
6 more sentences on Tatoeba

Lorenzo and Martina are walking in a garden at night.

Martina

Guarda, Lorenzo! C'è un riccio nel giardino.
Look, Lorenzo! There is a hedgehog in the garden.
Lorenzo

Sì, è molto piccolo e veloce.
Yes, it is very small and fast.
Martina

Il povero riccio sembra avere fame.
The poor hedgehog seems to be hungry.
Lorenzo

Speriamo che trovi qualcosa da mangiare.
Let's hope he finds something to eat.

Sources

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