pecora
/ˈpɛ.ko.ra/feminine
The English word sheep is translated into Italian as pecora.
The word pecora refers to the animal and can be used metaphorically to describe a person who is gullible or easily led.
Meaning: animal (noun)
Which one should you use?
While pecora refers to a sheep (often specifically a female sheep), the word montone is used to refer to a ram.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of pecora is pecore.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of pecora is /ˈpɛ.ko.ra/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The Latin root of pecora is closely related to the word pecunia, which means 'money'. In ancient times, wealth was measured by the amount of livestock one owned.
- The Italian word pecora is a linguistic fossil. While it looks like a singular noun, it actually derives from a Latin neuter plural meaning 'cattle' or 'livestock'.
- While pecora is the general term, Italians use the specific word montone for a ram to describe someone who is stubborn or headstrong.
Examples in context
- Tom è una pecora.Tom is a sheep.Tatoeba #13290579 by Guybrush88, translation #13153557 by maaster
- Ziri ha una pecora.Ziri has a sheep.Tatoeba #13290589 by Guybrush88, translation #10208146 by Amastan
- Quella pecora è sua.That sheep is hers.Tatoeba #13290583 by Guybrush88, translation #12053601 by DarnYeet
- Ho visto una pecora nel campoI saw a sheep in the field
- Il montone è il capobranco del greggeThe ram is the leader of the flock
- Quella pecorina è davvero simpatica!That sheep is really cute!
- Ho comprato due pecore per la mia fattoriaI bought two sheep for my farm
- 57 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Francesco are walking through a field in the countryside.
- GiuliaGuarda quella pecora bianca nel prato.Look at that white sheep in the meadow.
- FrancescoSì, è molto carina.Yes, it is very cute.
- GiuliaLa pecora sta mangiando l'erba.The sheep is eating the grass.
- FrancescoSperiamo che non scappi.Let's hope it doesn't run away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sheep” translations and entries pecora, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pecora, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
