nord
/ˈnɔrd/masculine
The English word north is translated into Italian as nord. Wiktionary also lists mezzanotte and settentrione.
Meaning: compass point (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| nord | /ˈnɔrd/ | masculine |
| mezzanotte | /ˌmɛd.d͡zaˈnɔt.te/ | |
| settentrione | /set.tenˈtrjo.ne/ /set.ten.triˈo.ne/ |
masculine |
The primary way to refer to the compass point north is using the masculine noun nord.
Which one should you use?
While nord is the standard term, settentrione is a more formal or literary synonym. Additionally, the word mezzanotte can also refer to north.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the direction toward the north, use the preposition a before the noun, forming the phrase a nord.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈnɔrd/
Did you know?
- The literary term settentrione is based on the 'seven oxen' of the constellation Ursa Major, which ancient people used to find north.
- The word mezzanotte literally translates to 'mid-night', linking the direction of north to the point in time when the night is at its peak.
- In Italian literature, referring to the north as settentrione often evokes a sense of grandeur or ancient history compared to the simple nord.
Examples in context
- Si diriga a nord.Head north.This sentence is useful for giving directions using nord.Tatoeba #7671018 by Guybrush88, translation #6703998 by Eccles17
- Si diresse a nord.He headed north.This sentence is useful for describing a past movement using nord.Tatoeba #8487582 by Guybrush88, translation #8479130 by CH
- Sono a sud del nord.I am south of the north.This sentence is useful for describing a relative position using nord.Tatoeba #5116446 by Guybrush88, translation #704726 by Zifre
- Nel nord Italia, le temperature sono più fredde d'inverno.In the north of Italy, temperatures are colder in winter.
- Senti quanto freddo fa oggi con la tramontana?Can you feel how cold it is today with the northern wind?
- 92 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Martina are looking at a map.
- FrancescoIl lago si trova a nord della città.The lake is located north of the city.
- MartinaDobbiamo quindi andare in quella direzione?So we need to go in that direction?
- FrancescoSì, il nord è verso le montagne.Yes, north is toward the mountains.
- MartinaVa bene, seguo te, Francesco.Alright, I will follow you, Francesco.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “north” translations and entries nord, mezzanotte, settentrione, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mezzanotte, nord, settentrione, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
