spettro
/ˈspɛt.tro/
The English word 'spectre' is translated into Italian as spettro.
The term is used to refer to a ghost or the phantom of a deceased person.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and the stress is on the first syllable. It is pronounced /ˈspɛt.tro/.
Did you know?
- In Italian, spettro also refers to the 'spectrum' of light or colors, meaning a single word describes both a ghostly apparition and a rainbow of frequencies.
- The word spettro shares the same Latin root as the English word 'spectacles', as both stem from the idea of seeing or looking.
- While English uses 'ghost' for most spirits, Italians often use spettro specifically for an apparition that is visually striking or haunting, whereas fantasma is more general.
Examples in context
- Ho visto uno spettro nella foresta.I saw a ghost in the forest.
- Quel vecchio castello è infestato da uno spettro.That old castle is haunted by a ghost.
- Lo spettro apparve all'improvviso davanti a noi.The ghost appeared suddenly in front of us.
Example conversation
Francesco and Chiara are visiting a haunted castle.
- FrancescoChiara, hai sentito quel rumore strano?Chiara, did you hear that strange noise?
- ChiaraSì, forse c'è uno spettro qui.Yes, maybe there is a ghost here.
- FrancescoNon credo che gli spettri esistano davvero.I don't believe that ghosts really exist.
- ChiaraAllora perché stai tremando, Francesco?Then why are you shaking, Francesco?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry spettro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries spettro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
