Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| orgoglio | /orˈɡoʎ.ʎo/ /orˈɡɔʎ.ʎo/ |
|
| superbia | /suˈpɛr.bja/ | feminine |
The term used depends on whether the pride is a positive quality or a negative trait. Use orgoglio to express a sense of dignity, healthy self-respect or satisfaction. For the sense of being proud of an achievement, you can use the phrase essere orgoglioso or the idiomatic expression andare fiero di.
Which one should you use?
Orgoglio is used for neutral or positive pride, such as a sense of dignity or satisfaction. In contrast, superbia refers to negative pride, specifically describing haughtiness, arrogance or the concept of conceit regarding one's own superiority.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To say someone is 'proud', use the adjective orgoglioso for a masculine subject or orgogliosa for a feminine subject. If the subject is masculine plural, the adjective becomes orgogliosi.
How do you pronounce it?
The word orgoglio is pronounced /orˈɡoʎ.ʎo/. It has three syllables, and the stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The word orgoglio is not derived from Latin, but was borrowed from a Proto-West Germanic source.
- In Catholic theology, which has deeply influenced Italian culture, superbia is considered the root of all sins and the most serious of the seven deadly sins.
- In some regional Italian dialects, words related to orgoglio can also mean 'stiffness' or 'rigidity', linking emotional pride to physical tension.
Examples in context
- Lui è senza orgoglio.He doesn't have pride.This sentence uses orgoglio to describe a lack of pride.Tatoeba #759894 by Guybrush88, translation #9770430 by DJ_Saidez
- È il nostro orgoglio.You are our pride.This sentence uses orgoglio to describe someone as a source of pride.Tatoeba #6583278 by Guybrush88, translation #774732 by FeuDRenais2
- Ingoi il suo orgoglio!Swallow your pride!This sentence uses orgoglio in the context of swallowing one's pride.Tatoeba #5769724 by Guybrush88, translation #4216039 by neumannhci
- Elena ha un grande orgoglio per il suo lavoroElena has great pride in her work
- Il nostro sindaco ha espresso orgoglio per la cittàOur mayor expressed pride for the city
- Marco ha detto con fierezza che ha superato l'esameMarco proudly said he passed the exam
- Sono fiero di teI'm proud of you
- La mia famiglia è fiera di meMy family is proud of me
- 50 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Giulia are discussing their father's achievements.
- AlessandroL'orgoglio di un padre è molto grande.A father's pride is very great.
- GiuliaSì, e lui ne va molto fiero.Yes, and he is very proud of it.
- AlessandroMa non deve cadere nell'orgoglio eccessivo.But he must not fall into excessive pride.
- GiuliaHai ragione, Alessandro, deve restare umile.You are right, Alessandro, he must stay humble.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pride” translations and entries orgoglio, superbia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries orgoglio, superbia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
