pietra
/ˈpjɛ.tra/feminine
In Italian, 'stone' can be translated as pietra, sasso or sassolino depending on the context.
Meaning: small piece of stone (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pietra | /ˈpjɛ.tra/ /ˈpje.tra/ |
feminine |
| sasso | /ˈsas.so/ | masculine |
| sassolino | /sas.soˈli.no/ | masculine |
Use pietra to refer to stone as a substance or a hard, permanent material. It is also used in idiomatic expressions to describe emotional hardness, such as cuore di pietra (heart of stone). Use sasso to refer to a discrete, loose stone or a single rock that one might pick up or throw.
What does it mean word for word?
sassolino is the diminutive form of sasso, meaning a little stone or a pebble.
Which one should you use?
pietra typically refers to stone as a material, while sasso refers to a single, loose stone. sassolino specifically describes a small stone or pebble.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
pietra is a feminine noun, while sasso and sassolino are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of pietra is /ˈpjɛ.tra/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word pietra is derived from the Ancient Greek word πέτρα, which is the same root used for the name 'Peter'.
- The expression pietra d'inciampo literally means 'stumbling stone' and is used to describe an obstacle or a setback in a plan.
- The diminutive sassolino is not just used for size, but also conveys a sense of harmlessness, whereas sasso sounds much more heavy and impactful.
Examples in context
- La pietra è pesante.The stone is heavy.This sentence demonstrates the weight of a pietra.Tatoeba #13073530 by Guybrush88, translation #3165955 by Tom9358
- Ha raccolto un sasso.He picked up a stone.This sentence shows the action of picking up a sasso.Tatoeba #2140450 by Guybrush88, translation #300572 by CK
- Ha un cuore di pietra.He has a heart of stone.This sentence uses pietra in an idiomatic expression about a heart of stone.Tatoeba #1238854 by Guybrush88, translation #1239413 by xellugis
- La pietra è un materiale resistente e durevole.The stone is a resistant and durable material.
- Il muro è costruito con dei sassi di fiume.The wall is built with river stones.
- Ho trovato un sasso bellissimo in spiaggia!I found a beautiful stone on the beach!
- Ho visto un enorme macigno lungo il sentiero.I saw a huge stone along the path.
- La casa è costruita interamente in pietra.The house is entirely constructed of stone.
- Ti va di andare a cercare qualche sasso lungo il fiume?Do you fancy going to look for some stones along the river?
- 120 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Lorenzo are walking on a beach.
- SofiaGuarda questa pietra colorata!Look at this colorful stone!
- LorenzoÈ davvero molto bella, Sofia.It is really very beautiful, Sofia.
- SofiaPosso tenere questa pietra?Can I keep this stone?
- LorenzoCerto, mettila in tasca.Sure, put it in your pocket.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stone” translations and entries pietra, sasso, sassolino, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pietra, sasso, sassolino, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
