sarcastico
/sarˈkas.ti.ko/
The English adjective "sarcastic" is translated into Italian as sarcastico.
The word is used to describe someone or something that contains sarcasm. In Italian speech, sarcasm is often conveyed through specific phrases. For example, one might say Devi essere proprio geniale! to imply someone lacks intelligence or Chiaro che sì! to sarcastically affirm something ridiculous. One can also use the formal phrase Senza dubbio! sarcastically to express significant doubt or uncertainty. In informal settings, Ma sì! can be used with exaggerated intonation to sarcastically agree with someone or highlight how obvious a statement is.
Meaning: Containing sarcasm (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the adjective changes to match the gender and number of the noun it describes: sarcastico is the masculine singular, sarcastica is the feminine singular, sarcastici is the masculine plural and sarcastiche is the feminine plural.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /sarˈkas.ti.ko/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the word sarcastico shares a root with the Greek word 'sarkazein', which literally means 'to tear flesh'. This reflects the biting and sharp nature of sarcastic remarks.
- In highly formal Italian settings, using sarcastico remarks can be seen as much more socially aggressive than in English, where a 'dry' sarcasm might be tolerated in polite company.
- The concept of being 'sarcastic' can sometimes be expressed through the term pungente, which literally means 'stinging', to describe a wit that is particularly sharp.
Examples in context
- Tom è sarcastico, vero?Tom is being sarcastic, isn't he?This sentence uses sarcastico to ask if someone is being sarcastic.Tatoeba #5233456 by Guybrush88, translation #3416924 by CK
- Io amo essere sarcastico.I love to be sarcastic.This sentence uses sarcastico to express a personal preference for being sarcastic.Tatoeba #6675352 by Guybrush88, translation #5747653 by CM
- È molto sarcastico, vero?He's very sarcastic, isn't he?This sentence uses sarcastico to remark on how sarcastic someone is.Tatoeba #8701370 by Guybrush88, translation #8527963 by CH
- Hai lasciato le chiavi dentro la macchina? Devi essere proprio geniale!You left the keys inside the car? You must be a genius!
- Hai vinto la lotteria? Chiaro che sì!You won the lottery? Clearly yes!
- 32 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Giulia are discussing a coworker's comment at a cafe.
- AlessandroIl suo tono era molto sarcastico.His tone was very sarcastic.
- GiuliaSì, è stato decisamente sarcastico con te.Yes, he was definitely sarcastic with you.
- AlessandroNon mi piace quando è così sarcastico.I don't like it when he is so sarcastic.
- GiuliaHai ragione, il suo modo di fare è irritante.You're right, his way of acting is irritating.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sarcastic” translations and entries sarcastico, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sarcastico, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
