marionetta
/ma.rjoˈnet.ta/feminine
The English word "marionette" is translated into Italian as marionetta.
marionetta is a feminine noun used to refer to a string puppet.
Meaning: string puppet (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Sicily, the term Pupi is used to refer to marionettes used in traditional Sicilian puppet theater.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of marionetta is marionette.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable: /ma.rjoˈnet.ta/.
Did you know?
- The term marionetta shares a root with the French name 'Marion', a diminutive of 'Marie', suggesting the first puppets were modeled after the Virgin Mary.
- The theatrical tradition of Opera dei Pupi is so significant that it has been recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
- Unlike the English 'marionette' which can be used for any puppet, an Italian speaker might use the word burattino specifically for hand puppets.
Examples in context
- Voglio un pezzo di legno per fare una marionetta. Me lo darà?I want a piece of wood to make a marionette. Will you give it to me?This sentence shows how to use marionetta when discussing the materials needed to make one.Tatoeba #3107118 by Guybrush88, translation #2722430 by Hybrid
- Ho assistito a uno spettacolo con burattini meravigliosi.I attended a show with marvelous marionettes.
- Abbiamo comprato un bel burattino di legno al mercato delle pulci.We bought a beautiful wooden marionette at the flea market.
- I bambini si sono divertiti a guardare lo spettacolo dei pupazzi marionetta.The children had fun watching the marionette puppet show.
- La marionetta si muove molto velocemente.The marionette moves very quickly.
- Hanno costruito una vecchia marionetta di legno.They built an old wooden marionette.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Francesco are at a toy shop.
- MartinaGuarda che bella marionetta, Francesco!Look what a beautiful marionette, Francesco!
- FrancescoSì, è davvero originale.Yes, it is really original.
- MartinaPenso che sia un regalo perfetto.I think it is a perfect gift.
- FrancescoHai ragione, compriamo questa marionetta.You are right, let's buy this marionette.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “marionette” translations and entries marionetta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
