segreto
/seˈɡre.to/masculine
The Italian word for secret is segreto.
The word segreto is used to refer to knowledge that is hidden. It can function as a masculine noun or as an adjective meaning being or kept hidden.
Meaning: knowledge that is hidden (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Sicilian dialect, the form segretu is commonly used to mean secret.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As a masculine noun, the plural form is segreti. When used as an adjective, the form must agree with the noun it describes: use segreta for a singular feminine noun and segrete for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /seˈɡre.to/.
Did you know?
- The Italian word segreto shares a deep linguistic root with the English word 'screen'. Both derive from the Latin 'secernere', which means to separate or set apart.
- In certain Italian historical documents, a 'segretario' was a person whose job was to keep 'segreti', making the word the root of the modern word for 'secretary'.
- In a historical context, a 'segreto' was not just a piece of hidden information, but also a term used for a private, small room or cabinet used for confidential meetings.
Examples in context
- Non è un segreto.It's not a secret.This sentence shows how to negate the existence of a secret using segreto.Tatoeba #3010669 by Guybrush88, translation #1795651 by Spamster
- È il mio segreto.That's my secret.This sentence demonstrates how to use segreto to express personal ownership of a secret.Tatoeba #7536399 by Guybrush88, translation #3164461 by CK
- Lui sa il segreto.He knows the secret.This sentence illustrates the use of segreto as the object of knowing something.Tatoeba #1246401 by Guybrush88, translation #302961 by CK
- Ho un segreto da dirti.I have a secret to tell you.
- Non preoccuparti, il tuo segreto è al sicuro con me.Don't worry, your secret is safe with me.
- Teniamolo segreto tra di noi.Let's keep it a secret between us.
- 474 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Sofia are talking in a quiet café.
- FrancescoHai un segreto?Do you have a secret?
- SofiaSì, ma è un segreto importante.Yes, but it is an important secret.
- FrancescoDimmi il tuo segreto.Tell me your secret.
- SofiaNon posso dirlo a te.I cannot tell it to you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “secret” translations and entries segreto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries segreto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
