motoscafo
/mo.tosˈka.fo/masculine
The Italian word for motorboat is motoscafo.
motoscafo is a masculine noun used to describe a boat that is driven by an engine.
Meaning: boat driven by an engine (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of moto, meaning motion or motor and scafo, meaning hull.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /mo.tosˈka.fo/. It has 4 syllables and the stress is on the third syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the word moto can refer to a motor but is also the common shorthand for motocicletta meaning 'motorcycle'.
- In many coastal Italian regions, the term motoscafo can carry a connotation of wealth and the 'dolce vita' lifestyle associated with Mediterranean sea travel.
- If you are looking for a small, inexpensive motorized boat, you might use motore or barca a motore instead, as motoscafo often implies a larger, more sophisticated vessel.
Examples in context
- Il motoscafo è molto veloce.The motorboat is very fast.
- Abbiamo affittato un motoscafo per oggi.We rented a motorboat for today.
- Voglio comprare un nuovo motoscafo.I want to buy a new motorboat.
Example conversation
Giulia and Francesco are planning a trip on the lake.
- GiuliaHai già prenotato il motoscafo?Have you already booked the motorboat?
- FrancescoSì, Giulia, l'ho preso stamattina.Yes, Giulia, I got it this morning.
- GiuliaÈ un motoscafo spazioso?Is it a spacious motorboat?
- FrancescoSì, c'è spazio per tutti.Yes, there is space for everyone.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “motorboat” translations and entries motoscafo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
