bidello
/biˈdɛl.lo/
The English word "janitor" is translated into Italian as bidello.
In modern Italian, bidello specifically refers to a janitor or caretaker in a school setting.
Meaning: caretaker (noun)
Which one should you use?
While bidello is used for schools, custode is the more general term for a caretaker or custodian of a building or estate.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of bidello is bidella.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /biˈdɛl.lo/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- While bidello now means a school caretaker, it originally comes from a word meaning 'policeman' in Old French.
- In Italian culture, the bidello is often viewed as a confidant for students, sometimes playing a more supportive emotional role than the teachers.
- The feminine form bidella is frequently used in Italian literature and cinema to depict a specific, often much-loved, character archetype in school settings.
Examples in context
- Il custode ha appena pulito il corridoio.The janitor has just cleaned the corridor.
- Chiediamo al bidello di pulire la lavagna.Let's ask the janitor to clean the blackboard.
- Ho lasciato le chiavi al portinaio.I left the keys with the janitor.
- Il bidello ha le chiavi della scuola.The janitor has the school keys.
- Cerchiamo un bidello per questo edificio.We are looking for a janitor for this building.
- Il bidello pulisce l'aula ogni mattina.The janitor cleans the classroom every morning.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Sofia are talking about school staff at a cafe.
- AlessandroDove si trova il bidello?Where is the janitor?
- SofiaIl bidello è nel cortile.The janitor is in the courtyard.
- AlessandroGrazie per l'informazione, Sofia.Thanks for the information, Sofia.
- SofiaPrego, Alessandro.You're welcome, Alessandro.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “janitor” translations and entries bidello, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bidello, CC BY-SA 4.0.
