patto
/ˈpat.to/masculine
The English phrase 'pact' translates to Italian as patto.
patto refers to an agreement, a league, a compact or a covenant. While it can function as a general term for an agreement, it often carries a more solemn, strong or even conspiratorial connotation than the neutral word accordo. To emphasize a strong commitment or a binding agreement, you can use the phrase abbiamo un accordo indissolubile.
Meaning: an agreement, a league, a compact, a covenant (noun)
Which one should you use?
In formal settings, if you are referring specifically to an official treaty between countries or organizations, use Trattato. If you are referring to agreements, conventions or pacts reached among multiple parties, Convenzione is the preferred term.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of patto is patti.
How do you pronounce it?
patto is pronounced /ˈpat.to/. The stress is on the first of two syllables.
Did you know?
- The Italian word compatto also shares the same Latin root as patto. While patto refers to the agreement, compatto evolved to describe things that are physically dense or concise.
- The word patto can be used in the expression a patto che, which functions like the English 'on the condition that'.
- The phrase patto di sangue refers to a blood pact. In Italian culture and media, this is the ultimate symbol of an unbreakable bond of loyalty or friendship.
Examples in context
- Facciamo un patto.Let's make a pact.This sentence is useful for suggesting that you and another person make a pact using patto.Tatoeba #2790711 by Guybrush88, translation #2007814 by CK
- Hanno firmato un accordo di paceThey signed a peace pact
- Il trattato di libero scambioThe trade pact
- Hanno stipulato un patto di non aggressioneThey entered into a non-aggression pact
- Abbiamo fatto un accordo tra di noiWe made a pact between us
- Abbiamo stretto un patto di sangueWe made a blood pact
- Abbiamo firmato un trattato di pace internazionaleWe have signed an international peace treaty
- Ho stretto un patto con il mio migliore amicoI made a pact with my best friend
- Hanno raggiunto un accordo mutualmente vantaggiosoThey reached a mutually beneficial agreement
- La conferenza ha approvato una convenzione globale sulla protezione dell'ambienteThe conference approved a global environmental protection convention
- Il patto è stato finalmente siglato.The pact was finally signed.
- Dobbiamo rispettare ogni punto del patto.We must respect every point of the pact.
Example conversation
Sofia and Lorenzo agree to stop arguing about the chores.
- SofiaFacciamo un patto per dividere i lavori.Let's make a pact to divide the chores.
- LorenzoVa bene, Lorenzo accetta.All right, Lorenzo accepts.
- SofiaAllora il patto è concluso.Then the pact is sealed.
- LorenzoPromesso, Sofia!Promised, Sofia!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pact” translations and entries patto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
