sporco
/ˈspɔr.ko/
In Italian, the word for nasty (dirty, filthy) is sporco. If unsure, use sporco. It is also spelled zozzo. Wiktionary also lists sozzo and lurido.
Meaning: dirty, filthy (adj)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| sporco | /ˈspɔr.ko/ | |
| sozzo | /ˈsot.t͡so/ | |
| zozzo | /ˈt͡sot.t͡so/ | alternative form |
| lurido | /ˈlu.ri.do/ | |
| lercio | /ˈlɛr.t͡ʃo/ /ˈler.t͡ʃo/ |
|
| laido |
Which one should you use?
The word sporco is the most common and neutral way to say 'dirty'. If you want to imply a higher degree of dirtiness, such as something being grimy or unhygienic, use sozzo or its alternative spelling zozzo. For something even stronger that is disgusting or revolting, use lurido. If you are describing something heavily coated in dirt or grime, such as skin or clothing, lercio is often used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. For example, use sporca for feminine nouns and sporchi for masculine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈspɔr.ko/. The stress is on the first of the two syllables.
Did you know?
- While lurido means 'nasty' or 'filthy' today, its original Latin root lūridus actually described a 'pale yellow' or 'wan' complexion.
- In Italy, the word sporco is often used as a metaphor for 'cheating' or 'playing dirty' in sports or politics, similar to the English phrase 'dirty play'.
- To describe someone who is a 'slob' or chronically dirty, Italians often use the noun sporcone, adding the suffix -one to amplify the trait.
Examples in context
- La cena del ristorante era sgradevole.The restaurant dinner was nasty.
- È stato un incontro spiacevole.It was a nasty encounter.
- Il gusto di quella bevanda era davvero schifoso.The taste of that drink was really nasty.
- Il pavimento è molto sporco.The floor is very dirty.
- Non toccare quel piatto, è sporco.Don't touch that plate, it's dirty.
Example conversation
Francesco and Giulia are in the kitchen.
- FrancescoGiulia, guarda questo bicchiere sporco!Giulia, look at this dirty glass!
- GiuliaOh, scusa Francesco, lo lavo subito.Oh, sorry Francesco, I will wash it right away.
- FrancescoC'è anche un piatto sporco nel lavandino.There is also a dirty plate in the sink.
- GiuliaHai ragione, pulisco tutto adesso.You are right, I am cleaning everything now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nasty” translations and entries sporco, sozzo, zozzo, lurido, lercio, laido, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lurido, sozzo, sporco, CC BY-SA 4.0.
