patio
/ˈpa.tjo/
The Italian word for "patio" is patio.
patio refers to a paved outside area adjoining a house that is used for dining or recreation. Aside from cortile, giardino and terrazza, you may encounter words like piazzale (open square).
Meaning: a paved outside area, adjoining a house, used for dining or recreation (noun)
Which one should you use?
Aside from cortile, giardino and terrazza, you may encounter words like cortile interno (inner courtyard).
How does it change in a sentence?
cortile is masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
patio is pronounced /ˈpa.tjo/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word patio in Italian is a linguistic traveler that actually entered the language from Spanish rather than being an indigenous Italian term.
- While patio describes the space, the Italian concept of convivialità often defines how these areas are used, emphasizing the social pleasure of eating and drinking together outdoors.
- Although patio is used in Italian, it is much more common to hear people use the word terrazza even if the area is not elevated.
Examples in context
- Il cortile della villa è adornato con splendide fontane.The patio of the villa is adorned with splendid fountains.
- Andiamo a prendere un aperitivo sulla terrazza panoramica.Let's have an aperitif on the panoramic patio.
- La nostra casa ha una splendida terrazza con vista sul lago.Our house has a wonderful terrace overlooking the lake.
- I ristoranti qui offrono una deliziosa cena sulla terrazza estiva.The restaurants here offer a delightful dinner on the summer patio.
- Mi scusi, posso sedermi nel cortile?Excuse me, may I sit in the patio?
- Il patio è molto accogliente.The patio is very cozy.
- Prepariamo il tavolo sul patio.Let's set the table on the patio.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Sofia are deciding where to have lunch.
- AlessandroPranziamo fuori sul patio oggi?Shall we have lunch outside on the patio today?
- SofiaSì, c'è un sole bellissimo.Yes, the sun is beautiful.
- AlessandroPrendo io le sedie per il patio.I will get the chairs for the patio.
- SofiaGrazie, Alessandro, sono gentilissimo.Thank you, Alessandro, you are very kind.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry patio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries patio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
