incantesimo
/in.kanˈte.zi.mo/
The English phrase 'magic spell' is translated into Italian as incantesimo.
The term incantesimo is used to describe a set of words spoken or written to produce a supernatural effect. While incantesimo alone implies the presence of magic, you may see it paired with the adjective magico to specifically state it is a 'magic spell'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word incantesimo is derived from the verb incantare, which means 'to enchant' or 'to charm'.
Which one should you use?
incantesimo refers to the spell or enchantment itself. In contrast, sortilegio is a slightly more formal term for a magic spell.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of incantesimo is incantesimi.
How do you pronounce it?
/in.kanˈte.zi.mo/. The word has 5 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The term sortilegio, a more formal alternative to incantesimo, comes from the Latin word sortilegium, meaning 'divination by lots' or 'casting lots'.
- While incantesimo is the standard term, if you are reading a historical fantasy novel, you might encounter maleficio, which refers specifically to a 'hex' or a 'curse'.
- The word incantesimo comes from the verb incantare, which shares its root with the English word 'chant'.
Examples in context
- Non è un incantesimo magico.That's not a magic spell.This sentence is useful for learning how to negate the phrase using incantesimo.Tatoeba #13978585 by Guybrush88, translation #13975692 by rul
- Ho studiato l'arte degli incantesimi per molti anni.I have studied the art of magic spells for many years.
- Mia nonna si considera una benandante capace di sconfiggere il male con i suoi incantesimi.My grandmother considers herself a benandante capable of defeating evil with her spells.
- Il mago ha lanciato un incantesimo potente.The wizard cast a powerful spell.
- Sembra un incantesimo da una fiaba.It looks like a spell from a fairy tale.
Example conversation
Chiara and Alessandro are watching a fantasy movie.
- ChiaraChe bell'incantesimo che ha fatto il protagonista!What a beautiful spell the protagonist cast!
- AlessandroSì, è davvero impressionante.Yes, it is truly impressive.
- ChiaraVorrei poter lanciare un incantesimo così.I would love to be able to cast a spell like that.
- AlessandroImmagina che meraviglia sarebbe!Imagine how wonderful that would be!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry incantesimo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries incantesimo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
