dipinto
/diˈpin.to/masculine
The English word 'painting' can be translated into Italian as dipinto, pittura or quadro.
Meaning: an illustration or artwork using paint (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| dipinto | /diˈpin.to/ | masculine |
| pittura | /pitˈtu.ra/ | feminine |
| quadro | /ˈkwa.dro/ | masculine |
The word used depends on whether you are referring to the physical object, the art form or a framed piece of art.
Which one should you use?
dipinto is a formal or technical term used to refer specifically to the finished physical object or the work of art itself. pittura refers to the art of painting as a medium or the technique and act of painting. quadro is the most common word used in everyday conversation and often implies that the painting is in a frame.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine dipinto becomes dipinti in the plural. The masculine quadro becomes quadri in the plural. The feminine pittura becomes pitture in the plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/diˈpin.to/. The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word quadro shares the same ancient root as the English word 'four' and the Latin quattuor, as it originally described a square shape.
- Italian uses the word quadro metaphorically to mean a 'picture' or 'overview' of a situation, such as in the phrase 'the big picture'.
- The word quadro can also be used to refer to a 'chart' or 'table' in a technical document, treating the data as a framed visual object.
Examples in context
- È un bel dipinto.That's a beautiful painting.This sentence is useful for describing a single dipinto.Tatoeba #2617621 by Guybrush88, translation #2045799 by CK
- Ha visto il dipinto?Have you seen the painting?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has seen a specific dipinto.Tatoeba #13352442 by Guybrush88, translation #12209621 by CK
- A me piace pitturare.I like painting.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference for the act of pittura.Tatoeba #8911345 by Guybrush88, translation #6925183 by CK
- Ho apprezzato molto i quadri esposti al museo.I really enjoyed the paintings exhibited at the museum.
- Sto cercando un quadro da mettere in salotto.I'm looking for a painting to hang in the living room.
- Ho visto un bellissimo dipinto del mare.I saw a beautiful painting of the sea.
- Mi piace dipingere, ma non ho ancora finito il mio primo dipinto.I enjoy painting, but I haven't finished my first painting yet.
- Mi rilasso facendo pittura.I relax by painting.
- 174 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Matteo are at an art museum.
- MartinaQuesto dipinto è incredibile.This painting is incredible.
- MatteoSì, è molto dettagliato.Yes, it is very detailed.
- MartinaQual è il tuo dipinto preferito?What is your favorite painting?
- MatteoMi piace quello accanto a noi.I like the one next to us.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “painting” translations and entries dipinto, pittura, quadro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dipinto, pittura, quadro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
