ombra
/ˈom.bra/
The English word shadow is translated into Italian as ombra.
ombra refers to an area protected by an obstacle. You can use the expression essere all'ombra to say someone or something is in the shade. To describe being under the protection or influence of an object or a person, use the phrase all'ombra di. Additionally, the expression vivere nell'ombra is used to describe the act of living in the shadow.
Meaning: area protected by an obstacle (noun)
Which one should you use?
While ombra is a full shadow, the word penombra refers specifically to half-light. If you are describing a complete lack of light, you would use oscurità, which means darkness. The verb related to this concept is ombreggiare, meaning to shade.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form is ombra and the plural form is ombre.
How do you pronounce it?
ombra is pronounced /ˈom.bra/. The stress is on the first of the two syllables.
Did you know?
- In some parts of Italy, if you order un'ombra at a bar, you are asking for a small glass of local wine rather than shade.
- The Italian word ombra is a cognate of the English word 'umbrella', which comes from the Latin root for shade.
- In Italian literature, an ombra can more poetically refer to a ghost or a spirit, rather than just a lack of light.
Examples in context
- Sami è l'ombra di Tom.Sami is Tom's shadow.This sentence uses ombra to describe a person being someone's shadow.Tatoeba #13598567 by Guybrush88, translation #13598559 by maaster
- Non c'è luce senza ombra.There's no light without a shadow.This sentence uses ombra to show the relationship between light and shadow.Tatoeba #1549896 by Guybrush88, translation #1538897 by Scott
- La mia ombra è dietro di me.My shadow is behind me.This sentence uses ombra to describe the position of one's shadow.Tatoeba #13482726 by Guybrush88, translation #13470663 by rul
- Durante un'eclissi solare, la luna proietta un'ombra sulla Terra.During a solar eclipse, the moon casts a shadow on Earth.
- Ieri ho comprato un nuovo ombretto per creare un look più audace.Yesterday, I bought a new eyeshadow to create a bolder look.
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Lorenzo are sitting at an outdoor cafe on a sunny day.
- MartinaCerchiamo un po' d'ombra qui.Let's look for a bit of shade here.
- LorenzoSì, sotto questo ombrellone c'è molta ombra.Yes, there is a lot of shade under this umbrella.
- MartinaÈ molto meglio stare nell'ombra.It is much better to stay in the shade.
- LorenzoConcordo, fa troppo caldo al sole.I agree, it is too hot in the sun.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ombra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ombra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
