How to Say "Maxim" in Italian

massima

feminine

The English word maxim can be translated into Italian as massima. Wiktionary also lists principio.

Meaning: moral precept (noun)

Ways to say it

“maxim” in Italian
Italian	IPA	Note
massima		feminine
principio	/prinˈt͡ʃi.pjo/	masculine

The term is used to refer to a moral precept.

While massima refers to a specific pithy saying or a moral maxim, principio refers to a more fundamental principle or rule of conduct.

The word massima is the feminine superlative form of the adjective massimo, literally meaning 'the greatest' or 'the largest'.
The word principio shares a root with principe, meaning 'prince', because both stem from the Latin word for 'first' or 'chief'.
In Italian, if you want to say 'in principle', you say in linea di principio, which is a more idiomatic way to express agreement with a concept than a literal translation.

La mia nonna mi ha sempre detto una massima: "La pazienza è una virtù."
My grandmother always told me a maxim: "Patience is a virtue."
Ecco una massima molto diffusa: "Ride bene chi ride ultimo."
Here's a widely known maxim: "He who laughs last, laughs best."
Una buona sentenza vale più di una brutta scienza
A good maxim is worth more than bad knowledge
La sua massima è vivere con onestà.
His maxim is to live with honesty.
Seguiamo sempre questa vecchia massima.
We always follow this old maxim.
Quella massima guida le mie scelte quotidiane.
That maxim guides my daily choices.

Martina and Matteo are discussing their personal philosophies during a coffee break.

Martina

Hai una massima per la vita?
Do you have a maxim for life?
Matteo

Sì, la mia massima è sempre essere gentile.
Yes, my maxim is to always be kind.
Martina

È una bellissima massima, Matteo.
That is a beautiful maxim, Matteo.
Matteo

Grazie, Martina, credo sia molto importante.
Thanks, Martina, I think it is very important.

Sources

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