megattera
feminine
The Italian word for humpback whale is megattera.
megattera is the noun used to refer to the species Megaptera novaeangliae.
Meaning: Megaptera novaeangliae (noun)
Which one should you use?
megattera is the singular form, while megattere is the plural form.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun megattera is feminine. Because of this, when using the definite article for the humpback whale, you use la megattera.
Did you know?
- While English speakers focus on the 'hump', the Italian name shares a root with pterodactyl, the prehistoric 'wing-fingered' reptile.
- The word megattera literally translates to 'big wing' in English. This is a direct reference to the whale's exceptionally long pectoral fins, which look like wings underwater.
- While the English name focuses on the 'hump' on its back, the Italian term completely ignores the hump to focus entirely on the whale's fins.
Examples in context
- La megattera è un animale maestoso.The humpback whale is a majestic animal.
- Ho visto una megattera durante il viaggio.I saw a humpback whale during the trip.
- C'è una megattera che nuota vicino alla barca.There is a humpback whale swimming near the boat.
Example conversation
Matteo and Giulia are on a boat watching marine life.
- MatteoGuarda, Giulia! Una megattera!Look, Giulia! A humpback whale!
- GiuliaChe bella! È bellissima.How beautiful! She is beautiful.
- MatteoLa megattera sta saltando fuori dall'acqua.The humpback whale is jumping out of the water.
- GiuliaÈ un momento magico.It is a magical moment.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “humpback whale” translations and entries megattera, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries megattera, CC BY-SA 4.0.
