rispetto
/risˈpɛt.to/masculine
The English phrase 'respect' is translated into Italian as rispetto.
The word rispetto is the direct translation of the English 'respect', meaning admiration for a person or entity due to their perceived merit. Note that when used as part of the idiomatic prepositional phrase rispetto a, the meaning changes to 'compared to' or 'in respect of'. Other Italian words can express nuances of respect: stima conveys respect mixed with admiration, while ammirazione is used for respect combined with admiration specifically for someone's skills or achievements. To express respect as a deep consideration for someone's thoughts, feelings or opinions, use considerazione.
Meaning: admiration for a person or entity because of perceived merit (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun rispetto is a masculine noun. Related to this noun is the verb rispettare, which means 'to have respect for'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable: /risˈpɛt.to/.
Did you know?
- In Italy, the concept of rispetto is often linked to the gesture of kissing the hand, which was historically a sign of extreme respect toward women of high social standing or the clergy.
- The word rispetto comes from the Latin respectus, which literally means 'to look back at'.
- The word rispetto is used in the phrase fare rispetto, which in certain contexts can mean to give space or to avoid disturbing someone.
Examples in context
- Ha il mio rispetto.You have my respect.This sentence is useful for expressing that someone has your respect using rispetto.Tatoeba #4159689 by Guybrush88, translation #2547997 by CK
- Io non li rispetto.I don't respect them.This sentence uses rispetto to express a lack of respect for a third-party group.Tatoeba #4420445 by Guybrush88, translation #3910762 by CH
- Io non vi rispetto.I don't respect you.This sentence uses rispetto to express a lack of respect for a second-party group.Tatoeba #12021388 by Guybrush88, translation #7114111 by CM
- 368 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Francesco are talking about a hardworking colleague.
- MartinaLavoro molto, ha tutto il mio rispetto.She works a lot, she has all my respect.
- FrancescoHai ragione, Francesco lo stima molto.You are right, Francesco estimates her highly.
- MartinaIl rispetto si guadagna con l'impegno.Respect is earned with commitment.
- FrancescoSono d'accordo con te, Martina.I agree with you, Martina.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “respect” translations and entries rispetto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rispetto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
