capolavoro
/ka.po.laˈvo.ro/
The Italian word for masterpiece is capolavoro.
capolavoro refers to an outstanding piece of work. While it is often used to describe works of art, it can also be used figuratively for any exceptional achievement, such as a piece of writing or a performance.
Meaning: An outstanding piece of work (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word capolavoro is a compound of capo, meaning head or chief and lavoro, meaning work.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of capolavoro is capolavori.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ka.po.laˈvo.ro/. It has 5 syllables, with the stress on the 4th syllable.
Did you know?
- The word lavoro (work) is related to the Latin 'tripalium', an instrument of torture, suggesting a historical link between hard labour and the finished 'capolavoro'.
- While English speakers might use 'masterpiece' for many things, an Italian might use capolavoro with a touch of irony to describe a spectacularly bad mistake or a 'disaster' of a project.
- In the medieval guild system, a capolavoro was not just any great work, but the specific technical test a journeyman had to produce to prove they were a master.
Examples in context
- Questo film è un capolavoro.This film is a masterpiece.This sentence is useful for describing a film as a capolavoro.Tatoeba #2717922 by Guybrush88, translation #2717925 by CM
- Questa conversazione è un capolavoro.This conversation is a masterpiece.This sentence is useful for describing a conversation as a capolavoro.Tatoeba #423456 by Pharamp, translation #56447 by Zifre
- Questa sinfonia è un vero capolavoro.This symphony is a real masterpiece.This sentence is useful for describing a symphony as a capolavoro.Tatoeba #2350518 by Guybrush88, translation #59335 by CK
- Quella scultura è un vero capolavoro!That sculpture is a true masterpiece!
- Sono rimasto affascinato da quella straordinaria opera d'arte.I was fascinated by that extraordinary masterpiece.
- Questa tela è davvero un gioiello della pittura italianaThis painting is truly a jewel of Italian art.
- Quel film è un capolavoro assoluto, non puoi perdertelo!That film is an absolute masterpiece, you can't miss it!
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Francesco are visiting an art gallery.
- ChiaraGuarda questo quadro, è un capolavoro!Look at this painting, it's a masterpiece!
- FrancescoHai ragione, i colori sono incredibili.You're right, the colors are incredible.
- ChiaraPenso che sia il capolavoro dell'artista.I think it is the artist's masterpiece.
- FrancescoSì, non ho mai visto nulla di simile.Yes, I have never seen anything like it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry capolavoro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
