superficiale
/su.per.fiˈt͡ʃa.le/
The English word shallow translates to Italian as superficiale.
The adjective superficiale is used to describe something that does not extend far downward. If you are referring specifically to a shallow portion or a shoal in a body of water, use the noun secca.
Meaning: extending not far downward (adj)
Which one should you use?
To describe the physical depth of water without the connotation of 'lacking substance,' Italians often use the phrase poco profondo instead of superficiale.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective superficiale is invariant for gender, meaning it is the same for both masculine and feminine nouns. The plural form of superficiale is superficiali.
How do you pronounce it?
/su.per.fiˈtʃa.le/. It has 5 syllables, with the stress on the 4th syllable.
Did you know?
- The noun secca used for a shallow area of water also means 'dry' in other contexts, reflecting the idea that the water is so shallow it almost vanishes.
- Using superficiale to describe a person in Italy carries a very strong social critique, suggesting they lack intellectual depth.
- The word superficiale shares its roots with the English word 'surface', as both stem from the Latin 'super' meaning 'above'.
Examples in context
- Lei è così superficiale.You're so shallow.This sentence uses superficiale to describe a person.Tatoeba #3005445 by Guybrush88, translation #2648169 by CK
- Tom è superficiale, vero?Tom is shallow, isn't he?Tatoeba #5608438 by Guybrush88, translation #3416905 by CK
- Questo lago è superficiale.This lake is shallow.This sentence uses superficiale to describe the depth of a lake.Tatoeba #14028634 by Guybrush88, translation #9182145 by CK
- La sua conoscenza sull'argomento è superficiale.His knowledge on the subject is shallow.
- La sua ricerca sull'argomento è stata poco approfondita.His/her research on the subject was shallow.
- La sua lettura del libro è stata piuttosto poco profonda.His/her reading of the book was rather shallow.
- 27 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Matteo are at the beach looking at the water.
- GiuliaL'acqua qui è molto superficiale.The water here is very shallow.
- MatteoSì, è perfetta per i bambini.Yes, it is perfect for children.
- GiuliaPreferisco quando il fondale è superficiale.I prefer when the bottom is shallow.
- MatteoSono d'accordo, è più sicuro.I agree, it is safer.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry superficiale, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries superficiale, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
