ortografia
/or.to.ɡraˈfi.a/feminine
In Italian, spelling is translated as ortografia. Wiktionary also lists spelling and compitazione.
Meaning: the practice, ability, or subject of forming words with letters, or of reading the letters of words, orthography (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ortografia | /or.to.ɡraˈfi.a/ | feminine |
| spelling | masculine | |
| compitazione | /kom.pi.tatˈt͡sjo.ne/ | feminine |
The term refers to the practice, ability or subject of forming words with letters, also known as orthography. Italians often use the verbal phrase scrivere correttamente (to write correctly) to express the idea of spelling a word right.
Which one should you use?
Use ortografia when referring to the formal rules of a language or the academic subject of orthography. The masculine term spelling is also present in the language, while compitazione is a feminine form.
How does it change in a sentence?
ortografia is a feminine noun. spelling is a masculine noun. Words ending in -zione are often feminine nouns, which applies to compitazione.
How do you pronounce it?
/or.to.ɡraˈfi.a/. It has 5 syllables, with the stress on the 4th syllable.
Did you know?
- The word ortografia shares its root with the English word 'orthodontist', as both come from the Greek root meaning 'straight' or 'correct'.
- If you make a mistake, an Italian might say you have made a refuso, which specifically refers to a typographical or spelling error caused by a slip of the hand.
- In many Italian schools, children do not just study 'ortografia' as a subject, but participate in 'dictation' exercises called dettato to master it.
Examples in context
- Fece numerosi errori d'ortografia.She made a lot of spelling mistakes.This sentence illustrates the use of ortografia when discussing spelling mistakes.Tatoeba #2450630 by Guybrush88, translation #311532 by CK
- Correggi la mia ortografia se è sbagliata.Correct my spelling if it's wrong.This sentence shows how to use ortografia when asking someone to correct your spelling.Tatoeba #607219 by Guybrush88, translation #20839 by CK
- Ha fatto solo alcuni errori di ortografia.You have made only a few spelling mistakes.This sentence demonstrates using ortografia to note a small number of spelling errors.Tatoeba #1579737 by Guybrush88, translation #278428 by CC
- La tua ortografia è eccellenteYour spelling is excellent
- È importante una scrittura correttaCorrect writing is important
- È necessario imparare il corretto modo di scrivereIt is necessary to learn the correct way of writing
- Dovresti cambiare il tuo modo di scrivereYou should change your way of writing
- 30 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia is helping Francesco with his Italian homework.
- GiuliaFrancesco, questa parola ha un'ortografia difficile.Francesco, this word has difficult spelling.
- FrancescoSì, non ricordo mai dove mettere l'accento.Yes, I never remember where to put the accent.
- GiuliaDevi studiare meglio l'ortografia italiana.You need to study Italian spelling better.
- FrancescoHai ragione, farò più attenzione domani.You are right, I will pay more attention tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spelling” translations and entries ortografia, spelling, compitazione, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ortografia, spelling, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
