oceano
/oˈt͡ʃɛ.a.no/masculine
The English word "ocean" is translated into Italian as oceano.
oceano is a masculine noun used to refer to one of the large bodies of water.
Meaning: one of the large bodies of water (noun)
Which one should you use?
While oceano refers specifically to the large oceans, mare is the more common word used for the sea or general large bodies of saltwater.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of oceano is gli oceani.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /oˈtʃɛ.a.no/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word oceano comes from the name of the Greek deity Ōkeănós, who was envisioned as a great river encircling the entire world.
- While oceano describes the vast global waters, Italians frequently use mare to refer to the beach or a seaside vacation, such as vado al mare.
- In Italian, the phrase un oceano di… is often used metaphorically to describe an overwhelming amount of something, such as un oceano di lacrime for 'an ocean of tears'.
Examples in context
- A me piace l'oceano.I like the ocean.This sentence is useful for expressing a personal liking for the oceano.Tatoeba #8036886 by Guybrush88, translation #5858792 by CK
- A Tom piace l'oceano.Tom likes the ocean.This sentence is useful for expressing that Tom likes the oceano.Tatoeba #6949963 by dnnywld, translation #5103480 by CK
- Perché l'oceano è blu?Why is the ocean blue?This sentence is useful for asking why the oceano is blue.Tatoeba #13776315 by Guybrush88, translation #6709437 by Hybrid
- Il Pacifico è l'oceano più grande del mondo.The Pacific is the largest ocean in the world.
- Le onde dell'oceano mi ricordano la libertà.The waves of the ocean remind me of freedom.
- 162 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Alessandro are talking about their dream vacation.
- MartinaVorrei fare un bagno nell'oceano.I would like to take a dip in the ocean.
- AlessandroAndiamo in California allora!Let's go to California then!
- MartinaSì, l'oceano è bellissimo lì.Yes, the ocean is beautiful there.
- AlessandroPrenotiamo i voli domani.Let's book the flights tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ocean” translations and entries oceano, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries oceano, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
