santo
/ˈsan.to/
The English word 'holy' is translated into Italian as santo.
santo is an adjective used to describe something that is revered in a religion. To emphasize the concept of being holy, you can also use the word sacro. Additionally, santo serves as the standard noun for 'saint'. In informal contexts, the expressions accidenti can be used to mean 'holy cow' and accidentaccio can be used to mean 'holy moly'.
Meaning: revered in a religion (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective santo must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use santa for feminine nouns, santi for masculine plural nouns and sante for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈsan.to/.
Did you know?
- The phrase fare il santo describes someone who is pretending to be virtuous or innocent when they are actually not.
- In Italy, the expression per san Gennaro is used as an exclamation of surprise or frustration, specifically in Naples, referring to the city's patron saint.
- The word santo shares a common root with the English word 'sanctuary'.
Examples in context
- Oggi è un giorno santo per noi.Today is a holy day for us.This sentence shows how to use santo to describe a day.Tatoeba #3884535 by Guybrush88, translation #3530440 by adamtrousers
- Nel nome del Padre, del Figlio e dello Spirito Santo.In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.This sentence shows the use of santo within a religious context.Tatoeba #10154349 by Guybrush88, translation #10090291 by ddnktr
- Questa fortezza spagnola è stata trasformata in un bel tempio santo.This Spanish fortress was converted into a beautiful holy shrine.This sentence uses santo to describe a shrine.Tatoeba #3529697 by Guybrush88, translation #2760167 by mervert1
- La Cappella Sistina è un luogo santo.The Sistine Chapel is a holy place.
- Il Papa è una figura santa per molti cattolici.The Pope is a holy figure for many Catholics.
- Accidentaccio, ho dimenticato il mio telefono a casa!Holy moly, I forgot my phone at home!
- Quella chiesa è un luogo santo.That church is a holy place.
- La tradizione santa è molto importante in Italia.The holy tradition is very important in Italy.
- Il Monte sacro è un luogo molto importante per i fedeli.The Sacred Mountain is a very important place for the faithful.
- La festa di Ognissanti è un giorno santo in Italia.All Saints' Day is a holy day in Italy.
- La Settimana Santa è un periodo sacro per i cristiani.Holy Week is a sacred period for Christians.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Lorenzo are visiting an ancient cathedral.
- MartinaQuesto luogo sembra davvero santo.This place feels truly holy.
- LorenzoSì, molte persone vengono qui a pregare.Yes, many people come here to pray.
- MartinaQual è il significato di questo santo libro?What is the meaning of this holy book?
- LorenzoÈ un testo molto antico e prezioso.It is a very ancient and precious text.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “holy” translations and entries santo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries santo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
