agnello
/aɲˈɲɛl.lo/masculine
The Italian word for lamb is agnello. If unsure, use agnello. Wiktionary also lists agnellino and agnella.
Meaning: young sheep (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| agnello | /aɲˈɲɛl.lo/ | masculine |
| agnellino | /aɲˈɲɛl.li.no/ | masculine |
| agnella | feminine |
The word refers to a young sheep. It can be used to describe the animal itself or, when used in specific grammatical constructions, the meat produced from it.
Which one should you use?
While agnello is the standard term for the animal, agnellino is a diminutive form used to emphasize that a lamb is small or cute. Use agnella specifically when referring to a female lamb.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to lamb as a type of meat, use the preposition di between carne (meat) and agnello, which is often contracted to carne d'agnello. Use the feminine form agnella to specify a female lamb.
How do you pronounce it?
/aɲˈɲɛl.lo/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian, calling someone an agnello is a way to describe them as exceptionally docile, innocent or easily led.
- While agnello refers to the animal, the word for sheep pecora is used as a biting slang term for someone who blindly follows others.
- In Italian religious art and literature, l'Agnello is the standard way to refer to the 'Lamb of God', symbolizing purity and sacrifice.
Examples in context
- Ziri ha un agnello.Ziri has a lamb.This sentence shows the use of agnello to indicate possession of a lamb.Tatoeba #13090523 by Guybrush88, translation #10208147 by Amastan
- Odio la carne d'agnello.I hate lamb.This sentence demonstrates how to express a dislike for agnello when referring to the meat.Tatoeba #12922228 by Guybrush88, translation #8909110 by CK
- Mary aveva un agnellino.Mary had a little lamb.This sentence illustrates the use of the diminutive agnellino.Tatoeba #13090526 by Guybrush88, translation #5167981 by Hybrid
- Vorrei provare il carré d'agnello, per favore.I would like to try the lamb chops, please.
- Sì, vorremmo provare l'abbacchio alla Romana.Yes, we would like to try the Roman-style baby lamb.
- 36 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Matteo are visiting a farm.
- ChiaraGuarda che bello quell'agnello!Look how cute that lamb is!
- MatteoSì, è davvero molto piccolo.Yes, it is really very small.
- ChiaraPosso accarezzare l'agnello, Matteo?Can I pet the lamb, Matteo?
- MatteoChiediamo prima al contadino.Let's ask the farmer first.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lamb” translations and entries agnello, agnellino, agnella, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
