triangolo amoroso
/triˈan.ɡo.lo a.moˈro.zo/word by wordmasculine
The English phrase 'love triangle' is translated into Italian as triangolo amoroso.
A triangolo amoroso refers to a situation in which two people vie for the love of a third.
Meaning: situation in which two people vie for the love of a third (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of triangolo (triangle) and amoroso (loving/amorous).
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form is triangoli amorosi, where both the noun and the adjective take the masculine plural endings -i.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /triˈan.ɡo.lo a.moˈro.zo/. It has 7 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- While triangolo amoroso describes a three-way rivalry, Italians use the phrase fare il triangolo to describe the specific act of a person cheating with a third party.
- The adjective amoroso does not just mean 'loving', but can also mean 'lustful' or 'erotic' depending on the context.
- In romantic literature and opera, a triangolo amoroso is often a plot device used to create 'gelosia', a word for jealousy that has deep roots in Italian dramatic arts.
Examples in context
- Il loro rapporto è complicato da un triangolo amoroso.Their relationship is complicated by a love triangle.
- È un triangolo amoroso molto complicato.It is a very complicated love triangle.
- La trama parla di un triangolo amoroso.The plot is about a love triangle.
Example conversation
Martina and Francesco are discussing a new movie they just watched.
- MartinaTi è piaciuto il film?Did you like the movie?
- FrancescoNo, il triangolo amoroso era troppo banale.No, the love triangle was too cliché.
- MartinaSecondo me era invece molto interessante.In my opinion, it was actually very interesting.
- FrancescoNon sono d'accordo con te, Martina.I do not agree with you, Martina.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “love triangle” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (triangolo, amoroso) and can differ in connected speech.
