rapinatore
/ra.pi.naˈto.re/masculine
The Italian word for robber is rapinatore. If unsure, use rapinatore. Wiktionary also lists ladrone.
Meaning: one who robs (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| rapinatore | /ra.pi.naˈto.re/ | masculine |
| ladrone | masculine |
The term refers to one who robs.
Which one should you use?
rapinatore is typically used to describe someone who commits a specific robbery, such as a bank robbery or a mugging.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form rapinatore can be changed to the feminine form rapinatrice to refer to a female robber. Similarly, the masculine form ladrone can be changed to the feminine form ladrona to refer to a female thief.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ra.pi.naˈto.re/. It has 5 syllables, with the stress on the 4th syllable.
Did you know?
- The word rapinatore is built from the verb rapinare, which shares a root with the English word 'rapture', though their meanings have diverged wildly.
- The term rapinatore is closely linked to the verb rapire, which means 'to kidnap'. Both words describe the act of taking someone or something away by force.
- In Italian, there is a sharp legal and linguistic distinction between a ladro who steals secretly and a rapinatore who uses violence or threats. Using rapinatore specifically signals that the crime was an aggressive confrontation.
Examples in context
- La polizia sta cercando il rapinatore.The police are looking for the robber.Tatoeba #9629028 by Guybrush88, translation #238265 by CK
- In Italia non si può utilizzare una pistola se il rapinatore non ha un'arma.In Italy you can't use a gun if the robber doesn't have a weapon.Tatoeba #3149247 by Guybrush88, translation #3149246 by shekitten
- Il rapinatore è fuggito dalla banca.The robber escaped from the bank.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Sofia are discussing a news report about a bank heist.
- AlessandroHai visto il video del rapinatore?Did you see the video of the robber?
- SofiaSì, sembrava molto nervoso.Yes, he seemed very nervous.
- AlessandroSpero che lo arrestino presto.I hope they arrest him soon.
- SofiaAnch'io, è stato un atto terribile.Me too, it was a terrible act.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “robber” translations and entries rapinatore, ladrone, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ladrone, rapinatore, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
