sperma
/ˈspɛr.ma/
The Italian word for sperm is sperma.
sperma refers to the seminal fluid or the substance in general.
Meaning: cell (noun)
Which one should you use?
While sperma refers to the substance, spermatozoo is the term used to refer specifically to an individual biological sperm cell.
How does it change in a sentence?
sperma is a masculine singular noun. Although it is often used as an uncountable noun, the plural form is spermi.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈspɛr.ma/. The stress is on the first of two syllables.
Did you know?
- While sperma is the scientific term, Italians often use the colloquial term semi meaning 'seeds' when speaking euphemistically about reproduction.
- Although sperma is a masculine noun, it is actually a Greek loanword that follows the pattern of many scientific terms ending in -a.
- In common Italian usage, the word liquido is frequently substituted for sperma in social or non-medical settings to be more discreet.
Examples in context
- Gli spermatozoi vengono prodotti nei testicoli.Sperm are produced in the testes.This sentence is useful for talking about where sperm are produced.Tatoeba #13266934 by Nuel, translation #13266933 by Nuel
- Donare lo sperma è un atto di generosa gentilezza.Donating sperm is a generous act of kindness.This sentence is useful for discussing the act of donating sperm.Tatoeba #13270052 by Nuel, translation #13270051 by Nuel
- La produzione di sperma continua per tutta l'età adulta.Sperm production continues throughout adulthood.This sentence is useful for describing the duration of sperm production.Tatoeba #13266992 by Nuel, translation #13266991 by Nuel
- 31 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is discussing fertility options at a clinic.
- AlessandroDobbiamo analizzare il mio sperma prima di procedere.We need to analyze my sperm before proceeding.
- SofiaSì, il medico ha detto che è necessario.Yes, the doctor said it is necessary.
- AlessandroSpero che la qualità dello sperma sia buona.I hope the sperm quality is good.
- SofiaNon preoccuparti, Alessandro, andrà tutto bene.Don't worry, Alessandro, everything will be fine.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sperma, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sperma, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
