opaco
/oˈpa.ko/
The Italian word for opaque is opaco.
The adjective is used to describe something that allows little light to pass through. It can also be used figuratively to describe something that is unclear or difficult to understand, such as a complex law or a person's reasoning.
Meaning: allowing little light to pass through (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The form changes based on the gender and number of the noun it describes: use opaca for the feminine singular, opachi for the masculine plural and opache for the feminine plural.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable (/oˈpa.ko/).
Did you know?
- An opaco sound in music or acoustics refers to a tone that lacks brilliance or high-frequency harmonics, creating a 'muffled' quality.
- In the world of art and cosmetics, opaco is the standard term for 'matte'. If you are looking for a matte lipstick or a matte wall paint in Italy, you will look for the word opaco.
- While 'opaco' describes physical opacity, the English word 'opaque' is often used to describe personality, but in Italian, calling a person 'opaco' can imply they are shady or untrustworthy.
Examples in context
- Il vetro è opaco.The glass is opaque.This sentence shows how to describe glass that is opaco.Tatoeba #13733996 by Guybrush88, translation #13154988 by rul
- Ho comprato delle tende opache per bloccare la luce del sole nelle mie stanzeI bought opaque curtains to block the sunlight in my rooms
- Quella sedia è poco trasparente. Sembra che abbia uno strato di vernice neraThat chair is somewhat opaque, it looks like it has a layer of black paint
- Ho comprato un vetro opaco per la stanza.I bought an opaque glass for the room.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Chiara are choosing a window screen for their house.
- LorenzoPreferisci un vetro trasparente o opaco?Do you prefer transparent or opaque glass?
- ChiaraPreferisco quello opaco per la privacy.I prefer the opaque one for privacy.
- LorenzoHai ragione, è più utile così.You're right, it's more useful this way.
- ChiaraSì, lo prendiamo subito.Yes, let's get it right away.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry opaco, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
