Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| adatto | /aˈdat.to/ |
| idoneo | /iˈdɔ.ne.o/ |
| rispondente | /ris.ponˈdɛn.te/ |
| confacente | |
| indicato | /in.diˈka.to/ |
| appropriato | /ap.proˈprja.to/ /ap.pro.priˈa.to/ |
All the forms listed are used to describe something that is appropriate to a certain occasion. When you want to express that something is suitable for a person or a purpose, you can use the preposition a (adatto a/ai/alle) or per (adatto per).
Which one should you use?
While adatto is a general term for suitability, idoneo is often used in technical, legal or formal contexts to mean 'fit' or 'qualified' for a specific task or requirement. The word indicato is used when something is the 'right' or 'most appropriate' choice for a specific situation, often implying it is the most logical option.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, adatto must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies: adatto, adatta, adatti or adatte.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of adatto is /aˈdat.to/. It has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian bureaucracy, a candidate who passes a public exam but has no open position is called idoneo, meaning they are 'suitable' but remain on a waiting list.
- The term rispondente is used as a synonym for 'suitable' in formal contexts, literally suggesting that something 'responds' to a specific set of requirements.
- The word adatto shares its Latin ancestor, aptus, with the English word 'apt', which is why both languages use them to describe something that is precisely right for a purpose.
Examples in context
- Non è adatto ai minori.It isn't suitable for minors.This sentence is useful for saying something is not suitable for minors using adatto.Tatoeba #2428391 by Guybrush88, translation #2267367 by _undertoad
- Questo film è adatto ai bambini.This movie is suitable for children.This sentence is useful for saying a movie is suitable for children using adatto.Tatoeba #11142605 by Nuel, translation #49537 by CK
- Questo luogo è adatto per il nuoto.This place is suitable for swimming.This sentence is useful for saying a place is suitable for swimming using adatto.Tatoeba #5177931 by Guybrush88, translation #2756637 by Max101
- Questo vestito è adeguato per l'occasione.This dress is suitable for the occasion.
- Hai scelto un momento appropriato per presentare la tua proposta.You chose an appropriate time to present your proposal.
- Penso che questa sia la scelta giusta.I think this is the right choice.
- Questa è una macchina adatta alle tue esigenze.This is a car suitable for your needs.
- La borsa è adatta per la festa.The bag is suitable for the party.
- I vestiti sono adatti per l'evento.The clothes are suitable for the event.
- Quella casa è adatta per una famiglia numerosa.That house is suitable for a large family.
- Ho trovato il lavoro giusto per me.I found the right job for me.
- La musica è adatta per questo momento emotivo.The music is suitable for this emotional moment.
- Questa scarpa non è appropriata per camminare a lungo.This shoe is not suitable for walking long distances.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Giulia are choosing clothes for a wedding.
- MatteoQuesto vestito è adatto per un matrimonio?Is this dress suitable for a wedding?
- GiuliaSì, Matteo, è perfetto e molto elegante.Yes, Matteo, it is perfect and very elegant.
- MatteoE queste scarpe sono abbastanza adatto?And are these shoes suitable enough?
- GiuliaNo, preferisci qualcosa di più formale.No, you should prefer something more formal.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “suitable” translations and entries adatto, idoneo, rispondente, confacente, indicato, appropriato, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries adatto, confacente, idoneo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
