Quaresima
feminine
The English word "Lent" is translated into Italian as Quaresima.
Quaresima refers to the Christian period of penitence preceding Easter.
Meaning: Christian period of penitence before Easter (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
As a feminine noun, Quaresima is typically used with the definite article la when referring to the specific liturgical season, as in la Quaresima.
Did you know?
- Because the word is rooted in the Latin 'quadrāgēsimus', it shares a distant linguistic relative with the English word 'quadrillion' which also stems from a base meaning four or forty.
- In Italy, la Quaresima is historically linked to the tradition of le quaresime, which were special Lenten sweets eaten to compensate for the lack of meat.
- The phrase essere in quaresima can be used idiomatically to describe someone who is acting unusually solemn or abstinent.
Examples in context
- Mi piace riflettere durante il Tempo di Quaresima.I enjoy reflecting during the time of Lent.
- La Quaresima inizia presto quest'anno.Lent starts early this year.
- Molte persone osservano la Quaresima con devozione.Many people observe Lent with devotion.
- Durante la Quaresima mangiamo meno carne.During Lent we eat less meat.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Giulia are discussing their religious traditions at home.
- AlessandroLa Quaresima sta per cominciare.Lent is about to begin.
- GiuliaHai ragione, Alessandro, devo organizzarmi.You are right, Alessandro, I need to get organized.
- AlessandroVuoi che compriamo meno carne?Do you want us to buy less meat?
- GiuliaSì, è meglio per la Quaresima.Yes, it is better for Lent.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lent” translations and entries Quaresima, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Quaresima, quaresima, CC BY-SA 4.0.
