rene
/ˈre.ne/masculine
The English word "kidney" is translated into Italian as rene.
rene is a masculine noun used to refer to the organ in the body. It serves as the standard anatomical and medical term for kidney.
Meaning: an organ in the body (noun)
Which one should you use?
rene is the singular form used to refer to one kidney, while reni is the plural form used to refer to both kidneys.
How does it change in a sentence?
rene is a masculine noun. Its plural form is reni.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈre.ne/. The stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian literature and poetry, reni can be used as a metaphor for the deepest part of a person's soul or their most intimate feelings.
- While rene is the medical term, you will often see rognone on Italian menus. This refers specifically to the kidney of a pig or calf when served as food.
- The word rene is a cognate of the English word 'renal', which is used almost exclusively in medical contexts in English but is the standard word for the organ in Italian.
Examples in context
- Mia madre ha un problema ai reni.My mother has a kidney problem.
- Ho bisogno di un controllo ai reni.I need a kidney checkup.
- Mi fanno male i reni ogni mattina.My kidneys hurt every morning.
- È necessario controllare il funzionamento dei reni regolarmente.It is necessary to regularly check kidney function.
- I problemi ai reni richiedono l'attenzione di uno specialista.Kidney problems require the attention of a specialist.
- Il rene è un organo fondamentale.The kidney is a fundamental organ.
Example conversation
Sofia and Alessandro are discussing a medical report.
- SofiaCosa dice l'esame del rene, Alessandro?What does the kidney exam say, Alessandro?
- AlessandroTutto sembra normale, Sofia.Everything seems normal, Sofia.
- SofiaQuindi il rene sta bene?So the kidney is doing well?
- AlessandroSì, non c'è nessun problema.Yes, there is no problem.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kidney” translations and entries rene, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
