Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| retribuzione | /re.tri.butˈt͡sjo.ne/ | feminine |
| vendetta | /venˈdet.ta/ | feminine |
While the English word retribution can refer to punishment inflicted out of moral outrage, the Italian word retribuzione is most commonly used to mean salary or compensation for work in modern speech. If you intend to describe punishment driven by personal vengeance or moral outrage, the more natural choice is vendetta.
Which one should you use?
In modern Italian, retribuzione is typically understood as payment or salary. To express the concept of vengeance or a drive for revenge, use vendetta. For formal, legal, diplomatic or official contexts involving retribution, the term ritorsione is commonly used.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both retribuzione and vendetta are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /re.tri.butˈtsjo.ne/. It has 5 syllables, with the stress on the 4th syllable.
Did you know?
- The term vendetta comes from the Latin vindicta, which referred to a rod used in ancient Roman law to symbolically free a slave.
- While retribuzione now means 'salary', it shares a root with the English word 'attribute', as both stem from the Latin idea of assigning or giving something back.
- The word vendetta is so deeply associated with Italian culture that it was adopted directly into English to describe a prolonged blood feud.
Examples in context
- La ritorsione diplomatica non si farà attendere.Diplomatic retribution will not be delayed.
- Per garantire una corretta giustizia ritorsiva, è necessaria una legislazione più severa.To ensure proper retribution, stricter legislation is required.
- Se continuano a provocarmi, prenderò rappresaglie.If they keep provoking me, I will take retribution.
- Non vedo l'ora di vendicarmi di quell'ingiustizia.I can't wait to get revenge for that injustice.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Sofia are discussing a story about a betrayal.
- AlessandroLui ha tradito tutti i suoi amici.He betrayed all of his friends.
- SofiaOra deve accettare questa retribuzione.Now he must accept this retribution.
- AlessandroPensi che sia stata troppo dura?Do you think it was too harsh?
- SofiaNo, Alessandro, è meritata.No, Alessandro, it is deserved.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “retribution” translations and entries retribuzione, vendetta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries retribuzione, vendetta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
