Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| forza | /ˈfɔr.t͡sa/ | feminine |
| vigore | /viˈɡo.re/ | masculine |
forza is the most common translation for strength and can refer to general strength, such as physical power or mental fortitude. You can use forza fisica to refer specifically to physical strength and forza interiore to express inner strength. Additionally, in informal conversations, forza is used to express encouragement or support.
Which one should you use?
Use forza for general strength, including physical power or mental fortitude. Use vigore when you want to refer specifically to vigor, vitality or robust energy.
How does it change in a sentence?
forza is a feminine noun, which means it takes feminine articles and adjectives (for example, la grande forza). vigore is a masculine noun and requires masculine articles and adjectives (for example, il grande vigore).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of forza is /ˈfɔr.tsa/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word forza originates from the Late Latin fortia, which was derived from the neuter plural of the Latin word fortis, meaning 'strong'.
- In Italy, forza is the standard way to cheer for a sports team, often used as forza! or combined with a team name, functioning similarly to the English 'go!' or 'let's go!'
- The expression Che forza! is used not just for physical power, but to express shock or admiration for someone's audacity or 'nerve'.
Examples in context
- Non ho la tua forza.I don't have your strength.This sentence shows how to express possessing someone's strength using forza.Tatoeba #4843568 by Guybrush88, translation #2276062 by CK
- Il silenzio è forza.Silence is strength.This sentence uses forza to state a metaphorical truth about silence.Tatoeba #5825969 by Guybrush88, translation #4711506 by Muelisto
- È un segno di forza.It's a sign of strength.This sentence describes something as a sign of forza.Tatoeba #13447678 by Nuel, translation #13447675 by Nuel
- La sua forza interiore l'ha aiutata a superare le difficoltà.Her inner strength helped her overcome the difficulties.
- Dai, forza! Ce la puoi fare!Come on, you can do it!
- Quel sollevatore di pesi ha una grande potenza muscolare.That weightlifter has great muscular strength.
- 104 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Matteo are talking about a difficult athletic training session.
- GiuliaMatteo, hai molta forza nelle gambe oggi?Matteo, do you have a lot of strength in your legs today?
- MatteoSì, mi sento molto bene.Yes, I feel very good.
- GiuliaOttimo, la tua forza ci aiuterà.Great, your strength will help us.
- MatteoGrazie, facciamo del nostro meglio.Thanks, let's do our best.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “strength” translations and entries forza, vigore, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries forza, vigore, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
