leviatano
/le.vjaˈta.no/masculine
The English word "leviathan" is translated into Italian as leviatano.
leviatano refers to a vast sea monster of tremendous strength.
Meaning: vast sea monster of tremendous strength (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has four syllables, with the stress on the third syllable: /le.vjaˈta.no/.
Did you know?
- Despite its maritime origins, in Italian, the word can describe a 'leviatano burocratico', which is a way to express the frustration of dealing with an infinitely complex administrative system.
- The use of leviatano to describe an oppressive state in Italian is a direct legacy of Thomas Hobbes's 1651 political treatise.
- Unlike the English 'Leviathan' which is often capitalized as a proper name, the Italian leviatano is frequently used as a common noun in lowercase when describing something vast.
Examples in context
- Secondo Hobbes, il Leviatano simboleggia la potenza sovrana dello Stato.According to Hobbes, the Leviathan symbolizes the sovereign power of the State.
- Il Leviatano emerge dalle profondità dell'oceano.The Leviathan emerges from the depths of the ocean.
- Il leviatano emerse dalle profondità oscure.The leviathan emerged from the dark depths.
- Leggenda narra di un leviatano senza pari.Legend tells of an unparalleled leviathan.
- Il leviatano terrorizza i marinai da secoli.The leviathan has terrified sailors for centuries.
Example conversation
Matteo and Sofia are discussing a fantasy novel at a cafe.
- MatteoHai letto del terribile leviatano nel libro?Did you read about the terrible leviathan in the book?
- SofiaSì, la sua forza è incredibile.Yes, his strength is incredible.
- MatteoÈ davvero un mostro imponente.He is truly an imposing monster.
- SofiaMi ha spaventato molto.He scared me a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “leviathan” translations and entries leviatano, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
