montepremi
The English phrase "prize money" is translated into Italian as montepremi.
montepremi is most commonly used in the context of lotteries, sports tournaments or competitions to refer to the total sum of money available to be won.
Meaning: money offered as a prize (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of monte (mountain or pile) and premi (prizes), literally meaning a pile of prizes.
Which one should you use?
While montepremi refers to the total pool of money, you might use Soldi vinti to specifically mean "money won". For a very informal way to say "money won", you can use Grana vinta.
How does it change in a sentence?
montepremi is a masculine singular noun that is invariable, meaning it does not change its form when used in the plural.
Did you know?
- In Italian gambling culture, the phrase fare il botto is often used when someone wins a massive montepremi, meaning 'to go bang' or 'to hit the jackpot'.
- In a historical context, the concept of a monte was associated with the Monti pubblici, which were public debt funds in Renaissance Italy that functioned similarly to investment pools.
- While montepremi is used for sports and lotteries, the word bottino is used when the 'prize money' is the result of a robbery or a raid, meaning 'booty'.
Examples in context
- Mi è stata assegnata una ricompensa monetariaI have been awarded a monetary reward.
- Ho vinto dei soldiI won some money.
- Ho vinto un premio in denaro molto generosoI won a very generous cash prize.
- Sai, ho vinto un premio in denaro alla gara di scrittura.You know, I won a cash prize at the writing competition.
- Il montepremi è molto alto.The prize money is very high.
- Hanno aumentato il montepremi del torneo.They increased the prize money of the tournament.
- Voglio vincere tutto il montepremi.I want to win all the prize money.
Example conversation
Matteo and Giulia are discussing a local photography contest.
- MatteoGiulia, hai visto il montepremi di questo concorso?Giulia, did you see the prize money for this contest?
- GiuliaNo, Matteo, è davvero molto alto?No, Matteo, is it really very high?
- MatteoSì, il montepremi è di mille euro!Yes, the prize money is one thousand euros!
- GiuliaAllora voglio assolutamente partecipare.Then I definitely want to participate.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry montepremi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
