gonfiore
/ɡonˈfjo.re/masculine
The English word lump can be translated into Italian as gonfiore. Wiktionary also lists gnocco.
Meaning: something that protrudes, sticks out, or sticks together, a cluster or blob, a mound, hill, or group (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| gonfiore | /ɡonˈfjo.re/ | masculine |
| gnocco | /ˈɲɔk.ko/ | masculine |
Use gonfiore when referring to a lump caused by inflammation or swelling in the body. Use gnocco when referring to a small, soft lump of dough or a food-related blob. For a small lump or bump, the informal term bernoccolo is used.
Which one should you use?
bernoccolo is an informal term for a small lump or bump.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun gonfiore becomes gonfiori in its plural form. The masculine noun gnocco becomes gnocchi in its plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡonˈfjo.re/. The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian, calling someone un gnocco can also be a compliment in some regions, meaning they are physically attractive or 'a snack'.
- The term gnocco shares an ancient linguistic root with the word 'knot', specifically relating to a knot found in wood.
- If you have a 'lump' on your head from a minor injury, an Italian might jokingly say you have a bernoccolo, but using it in a formal medical setting would sound quite childish.
Examples in context
- Ah, mi sono fatto un bernoccolo sulla fronte!Oh, I've got a bump on my forehead!
- Giulia ha trovato un grumo nel suo polpaccio.Giulia found a lump in her calf.
- Oggi mi sono fatto un bernoccolo sulla testa dopo aver sbattuto contro una porta.Today I got a bump on my head after running into a door.
- Sento un piccolo gonfiore qui.I feel a small lump here.
Example conversation
Alessandro is showing Giulia an injury on his arm.
- AlessandroGuarda questo gonfiore sul braccio.Look at this lump on my arm.
- GiuliaSembra un gonfiore molto doloroso.It looks like a very painful lump.
- AlessandroSì, fa male quando lo tocco.Yes, it hurts when I touch it.
- GiuliaDovresti far vedere quel gonfiore al medico.You should show that lump to the doctor.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lump” translations and entries gonfiore, gnocco, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gnocco, gonfiore, CC BY-SA 4.0.
