topo
/ˈtɔ.po/masculine
The English word "mouse" is translated into Italian as topo. Wiktionary also lists sorcio.
Meaning: rodent of the genus Mus (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| topo | /ˈtɔ.po/ | masculine |
| sorcio | /ˈsor.t͡ʃo/ | masculine |
topo refers to the rodent of the genus Mus. The word topo is also used to refer to a computer mouse.
Which one should you use?
sorcio is another masculine noun for a mouse.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of topo is topi.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈtɔ.po/. It has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian, calling someone a topo can be used as a slang term for a 'snitch' or an informant.
- The term topo is used in the Italian expression topo di biblioteca, which translates to 'library mouse' to describe a bookworm.
- Despite the Latin root talpa, Italian still uses talpa as a separate word for 'mole' today, making these two words linguistic doublets.
Examples in context
- Ziri ha un topo.Ziri has a mouse.This sentence shows how to indicate possession of a topo.Tatoeba #11259626 by Guybrush88, translation #10208130 by Amastan
- Ho visto un topo!I saw a mouse!This sentence is useful for expressing that you have seen a topo.Tatoeba #2848976 by Guybrush88, translation #2406065 by CK
- Tom vide un topo.Tom saw a mouse.This sentence demonstrates the use of topo in a past tense observation.Tatoeba #2896048 by Guybrush88, translation #2865177 by Amastan
- Ho visto un soricello nel giardino ieri.I saw a tiny mouse in the garden yesterday.
- Il professor Rossi ha spiegato come utilizzare il mouse.Professor Rossi explained how to use the mouse.
- 113 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Alessandro are in the kitchen at night.
- MartinaAlessandro, c'è un topo in cucina!Alessandro, there is a mouse in the kitchen!
- AlessandroDavvero? Dove si trova il topo?Really? Where is the mouse?
- MartinaSotto il tavolo, vicino alla sedia.Under the table, near the chair.
- AlessandroNon preoccuparti, lo prendo io.Don't worry, I'll get it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mouse” translations and entries topo, sorcio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sorcio, topo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
