spettacolare
/spet.ta.koˈla.re/
The English word 'spectacular' is translated into Italian as spettacolare.
spettacolare is an adjective used to describe something that is amazing or worthy of special attention.
Meaning: amazing or worthy of special attention (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the Italian noun spettacolo, which means 'show' or 'spectacle'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Roman dialect, the colloquial expression ammazza can be used to express amazement, such as when saying 'Wow, this pizza is spectacular!'
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective spettacolare is invariable in gender, meaning it stays the same whether you are describing a masculine or feminine noun. To make the word plural, use spettacolari for both masculine and feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 5 syllables, with the stress on the 4th syllable: /spet.ta.koˈla.re/.
Did you know?
- If you see a performance that is truly 'spectacular', an Italian might call it da urlo, which literally translates to 'from a scream'.
- In many parts of Italy, particularly in the south, people might use the word pazzesco to mean 'spectacular' in a casual, high-energy way.
- While spettacolare is used for beauty, the root word spettacolo can describe a 'spectacle' in a negative sense, such as a public scene or an embarrassing argument.
Examples in context
- Questo è piuttosto spettacolare.This is pretty spectacular.This sentence shows how to use spettacolare to describe something as 'pretty spectacular'.Tatoeba #8086067 by Guybrush88, translation #5737752 by CM
- Il tramonto di ieri era spettacolare.Yesterday's sunset was spectacular.This sentence uses spettacolare to describe a sunset.Tatoeba #11704804 by WM3DAS, translation #10610493 by CK
- La vista dalla cima della montagna era spettacolare.The view from the mountain top was spectacular.This sentence uses spettacolare to describe a view.Tatoeba #2908704 by Guybrush88, translation #245097 by CK
- Il tramonto sul mare è spettacolare.The sunset over the sea is spectacular.
- La vista dalla cima della montagna è impressionante.The view from the top of the mountain is spectacular.
- Ho appena visto un film stupendo al cinema.I just saw a spectacular movie at the cinema.
- I fuochi d'artificio alla festa erano mostruosi!The fireworks at the party were absolutely spectacular!
- Quella partita di calcio è stata pazzesca!That soccer match was absolutely spectacular!
- Ammazza, questa pizza è spettacolare!Wow, this pizza is spectacular!
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Matteo are watching a street performance in a square.
- GiuliaChe spettacolo spettacolare che stanno facendo!What a spectacular show they are putting on!
- MatteoSì, è davvero incredibile.Yes, it is truly incredible.
- GiuliaHai visto quanto è bravo quel ragazzo?Did you see how good that guy is?
- MatteoSì, Giulia, è un talento naturale.Yes, Giulia, he is a natural talent.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry spettacolare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
