coniglio
/koˈniʎ.ʎo/masculine
The Italian word for rabbit is coniglio.
coniglio refers to the mammal known as a rabbit.
Meaning: mammal (noun)
Which one should you use?
While coniglio is the standard term, you may encounter coniglietto when referring to a little rabbit.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of coniglio is conigli. The diminutive form coniglietti is commonly used to refer to baby rabbits or to express endearment.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable. The IPA is /koˈniʎ.ʎo/.
Did you know?
- The word coniglio shares a common ancestor with cunicolo, which in modern Italian means 'drain' or 'small tunnel'.
- Italian has a specific expression essere un coniglio used in certain contexts to imply someone is a coward.
- While coniglio is the general term, Italians distinguish between a domestic rabbit and the wild European hare, which is called a lepre.
Examples in context
- Tom ha un coniglio.Tom has a rabbit.This sentence shows how to state that someone possesses a coniglio.Tatoeba #6733518 by Guybrush88, translation #6733511 by CK
- Ziri ha un coniglio.Ziri has a rabbit.Tatoeba #11913767 by Guybrush88, translation #10208137 by Amastan
- Quello è un coniglio?Is that a rabbit?This sentence is useful for asking if an object is a coniglio.Tatoeba #11913763 by Guybrush88, translation #8977392 by CK
- Il mio nonno alleva conigli nel suo giardino.My grandfather raises rabbits in his garden.
- Che carino quel coniglietto nel parco!How cute is that little rabbit in the park!
- Ho un conigliuzzo come animale domestico!I have a cute little rabbit as a pet!
- 125 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Lorenzo are at a pet store.
- SofiaGuarda che bello questo coniglio!Look how beautiful this rabbit is!
- LorenzoSì, è molto morbido.Yes, it is very soft.
- SofiaVuoi comprare un coniglio, Lorenzo?Do you want to buy a rabbit, Lorenzo?
- LorenzoNo, preferisco un gatto.No, I prefer a cat.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rabbit” translations and entries coniglio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries coniglio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
