chirurgia plastica
/ki.rurˈd͡ʒi.a ˈplas.ti.ka/word by wordfeminine
The English phrase 'plastic surgery' is translated into Italian as chirurgia plastica. Wiktionary also lists chirurgia estetica.
Meaning: cosmetic surgery (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| chirurgia plastica | /ki.rurˈd͡ʒi.a ˈplas.ti.ka/ (word by word) | feminine |
| chirurgia estetica | feminine |
The term refers to cosmetic surgery.
Which one should you use?
While chirurgia plastica is the literal translation of plastic surgery, it is often used in a broader medical sense to include reconstructive surgery. In contrast, chirurgia estetica is the more common term used when specifically referring to procedures done for beauty or appearance.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both chirurgia plastica and chirurgia estetica are feminine nouns, so any accompanying adjectives must also be in the feminine form.
Did you know?
- The word chirurgia comes from the Greek words for 'hand' and 'work'. This reveals that the term for surgery literally means 'hand work'.
- While chirurgia estetica focuses on beauty, the word estetica also refers to the philosophical study of beauty. A person discussing a nose job is using a word rooted in formal philosophy.
- Italian distinguishes between plastica and estetica more sharply than English does with 'plastic surgery'. Using the wrong one can make it sound as if you are recovering from a burn or injury rather than seeking a cosmetic change.
Examples in context
- Neanche la chirurgia estetica potrà fare qualcosa per la tua bruttezza.Even plastic surgery won't do anything for your ugliness.This sentence uses chirurgia estetica to demonstrate a use of the term.Tatoeba #388478 by Pharamp, translation #6052 by Zifre
- Il dottore mi ha consigliato di considerare la chirurgia plastica per migliorare la mia apparenza.The doctor advised me to consider plastic surgery to enhance my appearance.
- La mia amica ha deciso di sottoporsi a un intervento di chirurgia estetica per correggere alcune imperfezioni.My friend has decided to undergo cosmetic surgery to correct some imperfections.
- Sei andata dal chirurgo per un semplice ritocchino, ma ora sembri completamente diversa!You went to the surgeon for a simple touch-up, but now you look completely different!
- Ha deciso di passare sotto il bisturi per rinnovare il suo aspetto.He/she decided to go under the knife to rejuvenate his/her appearance.
- La chirurgia plastica è molto costosa.Plastic surgery is very expensive.
- Ha deciso di sottoporsi a una chirurgia plastica.She decided to undergo plastic surgery.
Example conversation
Francesco and Sofia are discussing a celebrity's new look.
- FrancescoSecondo me, ha fatto della chirurgia plastica.I think she had plastic surgery.
- SofiaNon sono d'accordo, Sofia è naturale.I don't agree, Sofia is natural.
- FrancescoGuarda bene il naso, è chiaramente chirurgia plastica.Look closely at the nose, it's clearly plastic surgery.
- SofiaForse è solo l'effetto del trucco.Maybe it's just the effect of the makeup.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “plastic surgery” translations and entries chirurgia plastica, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (chirurgia, plastica) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chirurgia, plastica, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
