setoso
/seˈto.zo/
The English phrase "silky" is translated into Italian as setoso.
The adjective is used to describe something that is smooth like silk.
Meaning: smooth like silk (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, changing to setosa for feminine nouns. The adjective setoso changes to setosi when modifying masculine plural nouns and setose when modifying feminine plural nouns. The noun form for the quality of being silky is setosità.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable: /seˈto.zo/.
Did you know?
- The word setoso is etymologically linked to the Latin saetōsus, which actually refers to something 'bristly' or 'full of hairs' rather than smooth.
- In Italian, setoso is frequently used in professional wine tasting to describe a specific mouthfeel and texture of the liquid, not just physical fabrics.
- While setoso describes the texture of silk, Italians often use the word setoso in a metaphorical sense to describe a voice that is exceptionally smooth and pleasant to hear.
Examples in context
- Una camicia setosaa silky shirt
- Ha i capelli morbidishe has silky hair
- Mi piace la morbidezza di questa stoffaI like the silkiness of this fabric
- un sorriso vellutato e ammaliantea silky and captivating smile
- Questo tessuto è davvero setoso.This fabric is truly silky.
- Mi piace la sensazione di questo materiale setoso.I like the feel of this silky material.
Example conversation
Chiara is showing Alessandro a new scarf she bought.
- AlessandroCom'è questa sciarpa, Chiara?How is this scarf, Chiara?
- ChiaraÈ molto piacevole, ha un tocco setoso.It is very pleasant, it has a silky touch.
- AlessandroHai ragione, è morbidissima.You are right, it is very soft.
- ChiaraSì, è proprio quello che cercavo.Yes, it is exactly what I was looking for.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry setoso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries setoso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
