naso
/ˈna.zo/masculine
The Italian word for "nose" is naso.
naso refers to the protuberance on the face. Related verbs for detecting things by scent include nasare, annusare and fiutare, while the phrase andare a naso means to move cautiously.
Meaning: protuberance on the face (noun)
Which one should you use?
While naso refers to the organ itself, the word narice is used specifically for a nostril.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing possession or parts of the body, Italian often uses the articulated preposition del (of the) rather than a possessive adjective like mio (my), as seen in the phrase del naso.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈna.zo/. It has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the phrase avere il naso lungo is used to describe someone who is a liar, rather than someone who is tall.
- In the context of professional perfumery, a person with an extraordinary sense of smell is called un naso, treating the body part as a professional title.
- The phrase aver il naso all'insù literally means to have one's nose pointed up, but it describes a person who is haughty or snobbish.
Examples in context
- Ha un naso lungo.He has a long nose.This sentence is useful for describing the length of a naso.Tatoeba #1237944 by Guybrush88, translation #296383 by CK
- Mi prude il naso.My nose is itchy.This sentence is useful for describing an itchy naso.Tatoeba #2962121 by Guybrush88, translation #318193 by CK
- Mi ruppe il naso.He broke my nose.This sentence is useful for describing a broken naso.Tatoeba #8483542 by Guybrush88, translation #8480593 by CH
- Il suo naso è perfettamente proporzionato alla sua faccia.His/her nose is perfectly proportionate to their face.
- Ti sta venendo un raffreddore? Hai il nasetto tutto rosso!Are you catching a cold? Your little nose is all red!
- 166 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Francesco are looking at an old portrait in a museum.
- GiuliaGuarda come ha un naso aquilino quel signore.Look how that gentleman has an aquiline nose.
- FrancescoSì, ha un naso davvero imponente.Yes, he has a truly imposing nose.
- GiuliaSembra quasi parte della sua personalità.It almost seems like part of his personality.
- FrancescoHai ragione, il suo naso lo rende unico.You are right, his nose makes him unique.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nose” translations and entries naso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
