abbraccio
/abˈbrat.t͡ʃo/masculine
The English word 'hug' is translated into Italian as abbraccio.
abbraccio is a masculine noun meaning an affectionate embrace. In Italian, you typically 'give' (dare) a hug rather than 'making' a hug, such as in the phrase un abbraccio.
Meaning: affectionate embrace (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of abbraccio is abbracci.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /abˈbrat.tʃo/.
Did you know?
- While an abbraccio is a physical act, Italians often use the phrase un abbraccio as a closing for informal letters or emails to friends, similar to saying 'warm regards' in English.
- The verb abbracciare comes from braccio, meaning 'arm', making the word literally describe the act of encircling someone with your arms.
- In Italy, it is common to combine an abbraccio with the bacetto, a light kiss on both cheeks, as a standard greeting between friends.
Examples in context
- Le dia un abbraccio.Give her a hug.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of abbraccio when referring to a female recipient.Tatoeba #2974335 by Guybrush88, translation #2266686 by Hybrid
- Mi dia un abbraccio.Give me a hug.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of abbraccio when referring to oneself.Tatoeba #6603634 by Guybrush88, translation #1844203 by CK
- Gli dia un abbraccio.Give him a hug.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of abbraccio when referring to a male recipient.Tatoeba #2974339 by Guybrush88, translation #2266687 by Hybrid
- Ti abbraccio forteI hug you tightly
- Un abbraccio virtualeA virtual hug
- 80 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are saying goodbye at a train station.
- AlessandroDevo andare, Giulia.I have to go, Giulia.
- GiuliaAspetta, dammi un abbraccio.Wait, give me a hug.
- AlessandroCerto, un abbraccio molto forte!Of course, a very strong hug!
- GiuliaGrazie, Alessandro. Buona fortuna.Thanks, Alessandro. Good luck.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hug” translations and entries abbraccio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries abbraccio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
