fisico
/ˈfi.zi.ko/masculine
The Italian word for physique is fisico. Wiktionary also lists corporatura.
Meaning: physical structure of a person (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| fisico | /ˈfi.zi.ko/ | masculine |
| corporatura | feminine |
The term refers to a person's physical structure.
Which one should you use?
fisico often refers to a person's overall physical condition or health. In contrast, corporatura refers more specifically to the build or frame of the body, such as whether someone is tall, short, stocky or slender. For even more formal descriptions of the body's physical structure, you can use struttura corporea.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a noun, fisico is masculine. However, fisico can also function as an adjective to describe things related to the body, such as dolore fisico (physical pain).
How do you pronounce it?
fisico is pronounced /ˈfi.zi.ko/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the word fisico is a homonym that means both a person's 'physique' and a 'physicist'.
- The word fisico descends from the Ancient Greek word phusikós, which originally meant 'natural' rather than just 'bodily'.
- While English uses 'physique' mostly for body shape, an Italian speaker might use fisico to discuss the distinction between 'physical' and 'mental' (mentale) aspects of a person.
Examples in context
- Aveva un fisico prestante e massiccio.He had a powerful and massive physique.Tatoeba #11737114 by Nuel, translation #11737113 by Nuel
- Per fortuna il suo fisico era perfetto.Fortunately, her physique was perfect.Tatoeba #11814468 by Nuel, translation #11814467 by Nuel
- La sua corporatura è snella e atletica.His/her physique is slim and athletic.
- Marco ha una struttura corporea imponente.Marco has an imposing physique.
- Maria è famosa per il suo fisico scolpito.Maria is famous for her sculpted physique.
- Mi piace l'aspetto fisico di Roberto.I like Roberto's physical appearance.
- Marta ha dei lineamenti delicati.Marta has delicate features.
- Ha un fisico molto atletico.He has a very athletic physique.
Example conversation
Giulia and Matteo are talking about fitness goals at the gym.
- GiuliaMatteo, hai un fisico davvero atletico!Matteo, you have a really athletic physique!
- MatteoGrazie Giulia, ma faccio molta fatica.Thanks Giulia, but I work very hard.
- GiuliaQual è il tuo segreto per questo fisico?What is your secret for this physique?
- MatteoMangio sano e dormo molto.I eat healthy and sleep a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “physique” translations and entries fisico, corporatura, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fisico, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
