sadico
/ˈsa.di.ko/masculine
The Italian word for 'sadist' is sadico. If unsure, use sadico. Wiktionary also lists sadista.
Meaning: one who derives pleasure through cruelty or pain to others (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| sadico | /ˈsa.di.ko/ | masculine |
| sadista | feminine, masculine |
The term refers to a person who derives pleasure through cruelty or pain to others.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine adjective form is sadico, while the feminine adjective form is sadica.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈsa.di.ko/.
Did you know?
- Although it sounds similar to the English 'sad', the Italian sadico has absolutely no linguistic connection to the concept of feeling 'sadness' or sorrow.
- The Italian word sadico is often used colloquially to describe someone who is just being particularly mean or demanding, even if they are not actually a clinical sadist.
- The word sadico is a cognate of the English 'sadist' because both derive from the name of the Marquis de Sade, a French aristocrat famous for his eroticized depictions of cruelty.
Examples in context
- L'accusato è stato descritto come un individuo sadico.The accused was described as a sadistic individual.
- Quel ragazzo è un sadico, gli piace far soffrire gli altri.That guy is a sadist, he enjoys making others suffer.
- Non capisco come può provare piacere in modo così sadico.I don't understand how he can find pleasure in such a sadistic way.
- Quel personaggio è un vero sadico.That character is a true sadist.
- Non voglio comportarmi come un sadico.I do not want to behave like a sadist.
- È un sadico che ama vedere gli altri soffrire.He is a sadist who loves seeing others suffer.
Example conversation
Chiara and Matteo are discussing a character in a book.
- ChiaraHai letto il capitolo finale?Did you read the final chapter?
- MatteoSì, il protagonista è un sadico.Yes, the protagonist is a sadist.
- ChiaraÈ terribile come tratta gli altri.It's terrible how he treats others.
- MatteoÈ un personaggio davvero inquietante.He is a really disturbing character.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sadist” translations and entries sadico, sadista, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sadico, CC BY-SA 4.0.
