passo
/ˈpas.so/
The Italian word for pace (speed) is passo.
passo is used to refer to the speed of movement. When describing a specific speed, it is typically used with the preposition a, such as in a passo lento (at a slow pace). While this page focuses on the noun meaning speed, be aware that passo is also the first-person singular present indicative form of the verb passare (to pass).
Meaning: speed (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word passo literally means step in English.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of passo is passi, which means paces or steps.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈpas.so/. It has 2 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- When an Italian says passo in response to an invitation, it does not mean they are moving at a certain speed, but rather that they are 'passing' on the offer.
- While passo describes speed, an Italian might use the phrase a passo di tartaruga to mean 'at a snail's pace'.
- The Latin root of passo leads to two different meanings: one related to 'stepping' and another related to 'dried' or 'withered'.
Examples in context
- Tom tenne il passo.Tom kept pace.This sentence shows how to use passo to describe keeping a certain speed.Tatoeba #5525179 by Guybrush88, translation #2237086 by CK
- Mi allontanai a passo svelto.I walked away at a brisk pace.This sentence demonstrates using the preposition a with passo to describe a brisk speed.Tatoeba #11654805 by Nuel, translation #11654804 by Nuel
- Riprese a camminare di buon passo.He resumed walking at a good pace.This sentence shows how to describe walking at a good speed using passo.Tatoeba #11571963 by Nuel, translation #11571961 by Nuel
- Ho bisogno di qualche giorno di tranquillità.I need a few days of peace.
- Ho bisogno di ritrovare la quiete nella mia vita.I need to find peace in my life.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Martina are walking together in a park.
- MatteoMartina, vai a un passo troppo veloce!Martina, you are going at too fast a pace!
- MartinaScusa, rallento un po' il mio passo.Sorry, I'll slow my pace down a bit.
- MatteoCosì possiamo parlare con calma.This way we can talk calmly.
- MartinaHai ragione, questo passo è perfetto.You're right, this pace is perfect.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry passo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries passo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
