ragno
/ˈraɲ.ɲo/masculine
The Italian word for "spider" is ragno.
ragno is a masculine noun used to refer to the arthropod known as a spider.
Meaning: arthropod (noun)
Which one should you use?
ragno is the standard form, while ragnetto is a diminutive used specifically to refer to a little spider in a friendly way.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of ragno is ragni.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. It is pronounced /ˈraɲ.ɲo/.
Did you know?
- The word ragno is the root of the Italian phrase tessere ragnatele, which literally means 'to weave spiderwebs' but is used figuratively to describe creating complex plots or intrigues.
- The term ragno can also refer to a heavy, multi-legged piece of construction machinery, such as a 'spider excavator', used on uneven terrain.
- The word ragno is a direct descendant of the Latin arāneus, which is the same root that gave English the scientific term 'arachnid'.
Examples in context
- È solo un ragno.It's just a spider.This sentence is useful for identifying a single ragno.Tatoeba #4467530 by Guybrush88, translation #11787283 by CK
- Il ragno è nero.The spider is black.This sentence is useful for describing the color of a ragno.Tatoeba #13174851 by Guybrush88, translation #12278223 by FishlandicFishy
- Il ragno è morto.The spider is dead.This sentence is useful for describing the state of a ragno.Tatoeba #13174909 by Guybrush88, translation #1463099 by Spamster
- Ho visto un ragno nel giardino.I saw a spider in the garden.
- Ho trovato un ragnetto nel bagno.I found a little spider in the bathroom.
- Hai visto quella tarantola gigante nel documentario?Did you see that giant tarantula in the documentary?
- ho paura dei ragniI'm afraid of spiders
- non mi piacciono i ragniI don't like spiders
- 157 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Francesco are hiking in the woods.
- SofiaFrancesco, guarda questo ragno colorato!Francesco, look at this colorful spider!
- FrancescoSì, è davvero bellissimo.Yes, it is truly beautiful.
- SofiaVuoi fotografarlo?Do you want to photograph it?
- FrancescoNo, preferisco continuare a camminare.No, I prefer to keep walking.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spider” translations and entries ragno, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ragno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
