santo
/ˈsan.to/masculine
The Italian word for saint is santo. Wiktionary also lists santa.
Meaning: person proclaimed as saint (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| santo | /ˈsan.to/ | masculine |
| santa | /ˈsan.ta/ | feminine |
santo is used to refer to a person proclaimed as a saint. It can also function as an adjective meaning 'holy', in which case it follows the same gender agreement rules as the noun. To describe the abstract concept of holiness or saintliness, use the noun santità.
Which one should you use?
The masculine form is santo and the feminine form is santa.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine plural form is santi and the feminine plural form is sante. When using santo as an adjective meaning 'holy', it must agree with the gender of the noun it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈsan.to/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- Italian calendars often list the onomastico, a celebration of the feast day of the santo from whom a person takes their name.
- The phrase fare il santo means to pretend to be virtuous or to act more innocent than one actually is.
- In Italy, the phrase Santo cielo! is a common exclamation similar to 'Good heavens!' or 'Dear God!' used to express surprise or frustration.
Examples in context
- Non è un santo.He isn't a saint.This sentence uses santo to show someone is not a saint.Tatoeba #3309619 by Guybrush88, translation #8480858 by CH
- Tom non è un santo.Tom's not a saint.This sentence uses santo to express that Tom is not a saint.Tatoeba #3838856 by Guybrush88, translation #3821035 by CK
- Non è una santa, sa.She's not a saint, you know.This sentence uses santa to state that a woman is not a saint.Tatoeba #7096052 by Guybrush88, translation #2173241 by Hybrid
- San Francesco d'Assisi (Saint Francis of Assisi) è un santo molto amato in Italia.Saint Francis of Assisi is a greatly beloved saint in Italy.
- Santa Caterina da Siena (Saint Catherine of Siena) è una santa molto venerata.Saint Catherine of Siena is a highly venerated saint.
- Il Beato Giovanni Paolo II (Blessed John Paul II) verrà proclamato santo a breve.Blessed John Paul II will be canonized soon.
- Vorrei ricevere una medaglia di Santa Lucia.I would like to receive a medal of Saint Lucy.
- Mi sono rivolto a San Gennaro affinché mi aiutasse a superare quel momento difficile.I prayed to Saint Januarius to help me overcome that difficult moment.
- Tutti i residenti del paese vanno in pellegrinaggio alla chiesa dei Santi Medici.All the residents of the town go on a pilgrimage to the church of the Holy Doctors.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are walking through an old Italian church.
- SofiaConosci la storia di questo santo?Do you know the story of this saint?
- FrancescoNo, non conosco questo santo.No, I don't know this saint.
- SofiaÈ un santo molto famoso qui.He is a very famous saint here.
- FrancescoAllora leggiamo la sua vita.Then let's read about his life.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “saint” translations and entries santo, santa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
