singhiozzo
/sinˈɡjot.t͡so/
The English phrase 'hiccups' is singhiozzo in Italian.
To express the condition of having hiccups, the standard way is to use the verb avere (to have) followed by the singular noun with a definite article, as in avere il singhiozzo.
Meaning: the condition of having hiccup spasms (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
In Italian, the noun singhiozzo is used in the singular form with a definite article to express the condition of having hiccups, resulting in il singhiozzo.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable. The IPA pronunciation is /sinˈɡjot.tso/.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the word singhiozzo is used to describe a 'hiccup' in a mechanical or economic sense, such as a temporary glitch or a sudden dip in a trend.
- A common Italian folk remedy to cure il singhiozzo involves drinking a glass of water while leaning forward or drinking from the opposite side of the glass.
- The word singhiozzo is a close relative of the English word 'sob', as both share roots related to the act of swallowing or gasping.
Examples in context
- Io ho il singhiozzo.I have hiccups.This sentence is useful for saying 'I have hiccups' using singhiozzo.Tatoeba #6571532 by Guybrush88, translation #796086 by U2FS
- Tom ha il singhiozzo.Tom has hiccups.This sentence is useful for saying 'Tom has hiccups' using singhiozzo.Tatoeba #3857368 by Guybrush88, translation #1025375 by CK
- Ho avuto un singhiozzo molto fastidioso oggi.I had a very annoying hiccup today.
- Scusate se faccio un po' di rumore, ma ho il singhiozzo.Sorry for making some noise, but I have the hiccups.
- Devo bere acqua per smettere di singhiozzare.I need to drink water to stop hiccupping.
- È difficile parlare con il singhiozzo.It is difficult to talk with the hiccups.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Alessandro are sitting in a cafe.
- AlessandroSofia, hai il singhiozzo?Sofia, do you have the hiccups?
- SofiaSì, non riesco a smettere.Yes, I can't stop.
- AlessandroBevi un po' d'acqua fresca.Drink some fresh water.
- SofiaGrazie, Alessandro, spero che passi.Thanks, Alessandro, I hope it passes.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry singhiozzo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries singhiozzo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
