asino
/ˈa.zi.no/masculine
The English word 'jackass' can be translated into Italian as asino. Wiktionary also lists babbeo.
Meaning: foolish or stupid person (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| asino | /ˈa.zi.no/ /ˈa.si.no/ |
masculine |
| babbeo | /babˈbɛ.o/ | masculine |
The term is used to describe a foolish or stupid person.
What does it mean word for word?
When used to refer to the animal, asino literally means 'donkey'.
Which one should you use?
asino is used to call someone a jackass, while babbeo is a milder, more lighthearted way to call someone a fool or a silly person.
How does it change in a sentence?
asino can also function as an adjective meaning 'donkey-like' or 'stupid'. The feminine form of asino is asina, and the feminine form of babbeo is babbea.
How do you pronounce it?
asino is pronounced /ˈa.zi.no/. The stress is on the first of the three syllables.
Did you know?
- In Italian folklore, the asino is sometimes seen as a symbol of patience and humility rather than stupidity. This creates a cultural duality where the word can be an insult or a compliment of character.
- The term asino can be used in the expression testa di asino to describe someone who is exceptionally stubborn, moving the insult from intelligence to temperament.
- While asino means 'donkey', the word asinino is a diminutive that can ironically mean a 'little donkey' or be used to describe something slightly foolish.
Examples in context
- Sei proprio uno stronzo, ti ho detto di non farlo!You're such a jackass, I told you not to do it!
- Non posso sopportare quel tipo, è proprio un testa di cazzo.I can't stand that guy, he's a real jackass.
- Non fare l'asino!Don't be a jackass!
- Quel ragazzo è un vero asino.That boy is a real jackass.
- Smettila di comportarti come un asino.Stop acting like a jackass.
Example conversation
Sofia and Francesco are arguing about a mistake Francesco made.
- SofiaFrancesco, sei stato un asino oggi.Francesco, you were a jackass today.
- FrancescoScusa, Sofia, non volevo.Sorry, Sofia, I didn't mean to.
- SofiaHai rovinato tutto con la tua stupidità.You ruined everything with your stupidity.
- FrancescoCercherò di fare meglio la prossima volta.I will try to do better next time.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “jackass” translations and entries asino, babbeo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
