Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| matrimonio | /ma.triˈmɔ.njo/ | masculine |
| nozze | /ˈnɔt.t͡se/ | feminine, plural |
| sposalizio | /spo.zaˈlit.t͡sjo/ | masculine |
The term is used to describe the union of two people. The adjective form of matrimonio is matrimoniale, which means marital.
Which one should you use?
matrimonio is the standard word used for the legal or social institution of marriage. In contrast, nozze is a plural feminine noun used specifically to refer to the wedding ceremony or the celebration itself rather than the legal state of being married. Additionally, sposalizio is an archaic or literary term for marriage and is not used in everyday modern Italian.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
matrimonio is a versatile word used in both formal and informal settings. nozze is a formal term that translates to nuptials or wedding. sposalizio is an archaic term used in literary contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
matrimonio is a masculine singular noun. nozze is a feminine plural noun. sposalizio is a masculine singular noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the third syllable: /ma.triˈmɔ.njo/.
Did you know?
- When attending a matrimonio, guests often receive a bomboniera, which must contain an odd number of sugar almonds to symbolize the indivisibility of the couple.
- The word matrimonio shares its roots with the Latin word for 'mother', specifically 'mater', suggesting a historical connection to the role of the mother in the household.
- Italian has a specific term matrimonio concordatario, which refers to a marriage recognized by both the state and the Catholic Church.
Examples in context
- Sono contro il matrimonio.I'm against the marriage.This sentence shows how to express an opinion regarding the institution of matrimonio.Tatoeba #741750 by Pharamp, translation #762693 by CM
- Hanno un matrimonio aperto.They have an open marriage.This sentence uses matrimonio to describe a type of marriage.Tatoeba #8002298 by Guybrush88, translation #5737814 by CM
- Non è idonea al matrimonio.She is not eligible for marriage.This sentence illustrates the use of matrimonio when discussing eligibility.Tatoeba #10912919 by Guybrush88, translation #309961 by shekitten
- Il loro matrimonio sarà celebrato a Roma.Their marriage will be celebrated in Rome.
- Le loro nozze sono state grandiose.Their nuptials were grand.
- Ho sentito del loro matrimonio e sono felice per loro!I heard about their marriage, and I'm happy for them!
- Ci vediamo alle nozze di Lucia!See you at Lucia's wedding!
- 124 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Matteo are talking about their friends' wedding.
- MartinaHai visto quanto era bello il loro matrimonio?Did you see how beautiful their marriage ceremony was?
- MatteoSì, è stato un matrimonio davvero emozionante.Yes, it was a truly moving wedding.
- MartinaSpero che il loro matrimonio duri per sempre.I hope their marriage lasts forever.
- MatteoAnche io, sono una coppia perfetta.Me too, they are a perfect couple.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “marriage” translations and entries matrimonio, nozze, sposalizio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries matrimonio, nozze, sposalizio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
