scimmia
/ˈʃim.mja/feminine
The English word monkey is translated into Italian as scimmia.
The word scimmia refers to a primate.
Meaning: primate (noun)
Which one should you use?
While scimmia is the standard term, scimmiotto is an informal term specifically used for a male monkey.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Southern Italy, especially within the regions of Sicily and Calabria, the plural form scimme is used to refer to monkeys.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of scimmia is scimmie. When you want to refer to an indefinite number of monkeys, such as 'some monkeys', use the partitive article delle with the plural form to get delle scimmie.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈʃim.mja/. It has 2 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The expression fare la scimmia means to act silly or to play the fool to get attention.
- The word scimmia shares an unexpected ancient root with the Greek word for 'snub-nosed', suggesting that the very first way people described these animals was by the shape of their noses.
- In Italian, calling someone a scimmia is often a playful way to describe a child who is hyperactive or cannot stop climbing on furniture.
Examples in context
- Tom è una scimmia.Tom is a monkey.This sentence is useful for showing how to identify a person as a scimmia.Tatoeba #13194820 by Guybrush88, translation #9752755 by shekitten
- Non è una scimmia.That's not a monkey.This sentence is useful for using the negative with scimmia.Tatoeba #13194829 by Guybrush88, translation #10596487 by CK
- Sami ha una scimmia.Sami has a monkey.This sentence is useful for expressing possession of a scimmia.Tatoeba #13194823 by Guybrush88, translation #7137904 by OsoHombre
- La scimmia è un animale molto intelligente.The monkey is a very intelligent animal.
- Guarda quel piccolo scimmiotto che si arrampica sugli alberi!Look at that little monkey climbing the trees!
- 86 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Francesco are visiting a zoo.
- MartinaGuarda, Francesco, una scimmia!Look, Francesco, a monkey!
- FrancescoSì, è davvero veloce.Yes, it is really fast.
- MartinaLa scimmia salta sull'albero.The monkey is jumping on the tree.
- FrancescoÈ molto divertente da guardare.It is very fun to watch.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “monkey” translations and entries scimmia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries scimmia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
