Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| flagello | /flaˈd͡ʒɛl.lo/ | masculine |
| piaga | /ˈpja.ɡa/ | feminine |
In Italian, both terms are used to describe a source of persistent and widespread pain, trouble or suffering. flagello is typically used to refer to a cause or an instrument of suffering, such as an epidemic disease. piaga is often used metaphorically to describe a social problem or a widespread affliction, for example, the scourge of corruption.
What does it mean word for word?
The word flagello literally means 'whip' or 'scourge' in the sense of a physical instrument used for striking.
Which one should you use?
The choice between the two words depends on whether you are focusing on the cause or the result: flagello refers to the instrument or the cause of suffering, while piaga refers to the wound or the actual suffering itself.
How does it change in a sentence?
flagello is a masculine noun, while piaga is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
flagello is pronounced /flaˈdʒɛl.lo/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- Italian has a common expression una piaga to describe a person who is incredibly annoying or a nuisance.
- The term flagello shares its root with the English word 'flagellate', which means to whip.
- The English word 'plague' and the Italian piaga are distant cousins, both descending from the same ancient root meaning 'to strike' or 'to beat'.
Examples in context
- L'epidemia si è diffusa come un flagelloThe epidemic spread like a scourge
- La guerra rappresenta un castigo per l'umanitàWar represents a scourge upon humanity
- La criminalità rappresenta una grande piaga socialeCrime represents a significant social scourge
- La siccità è un flagello per l'agricoltura.The drought is a scourge for agriculture.
- La corruzione è il flagello di questa nazione.Corruption is the scourge of this nation.
- Dobbiamo combattere questo flagello sociale.We must fight this social scourge.
Example conversation
Francesco and Sofia are discussing a difficult news report.
- FrancescoLa disoccupazione è un vero flagello.Unemployment is a real scourge.
- SofiaHai ragione, Francesco, è un problema terribile.You are right, Francesco, it is a terrible problem.
- FrancescoColpisce molte famiglie ogni giorno.It hits many families every day.
- SofiaSpero che la situazione migliori presto.I hope the situation improves soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “scourge” translations and entries flagello, piaga, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries flagello, piaga, CC BY-SA 4.0.
