snello
/ˈznɛl.lo/
The English word svelte can be translated into Italian using snello. If unsure, use snello. Wiktionary also lists slanciato.
Meaning: attractively thin, slender (adj)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| snello | /ˈznɛl.lo/ |
| slanciato |
snello is commonly used to describe a person's physique in a positive, healthy way.
Which one should you use?
While snello focuses on being thin and fit, slanciato emphasizes a sense of length, grace and long limbs.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective snello changes its ending to agree with the noun it describes: use snella for a feminine noun, snelli for a masculine plural noun and snelle for a feminine plural noun.
How do you pronounce it?
snello is pronounced /ˈznɛl.lo/. The stress is on the first of two syllables.
Did you know?
- Because it originates from a Germanic root meaning 'sudden', the history of snello is a rare example of a Germanic word influencing the Italian lexicon.
- The word slanciato comes from the verb 'slanciare', which means to launch or throw something forward with force.
- In Italian, snello can be used to describe things that are not people, such as a 'snello' process or organization, meaning it is streamlined and efficient.
Examples in context
- Il Signor Bianchi ha una figura slanciata.Mr. Bianchi has a svelte figure.
- Una figura snella.A slender figure.
- È un ragazzo molto snello.He is a very slender guy.
- Hai un corpo snello e atletico.You have a slender and athletic body.
- Quell'atleta sembra molto snello.That athlete looks very slender.
Example conversation
Francesco and Martina are discussing their new fitness routines.
- FrancescoTi alleni molto, sembri davvero snella!You work out a lot, you look really svelte!
- MartinaGrazie Francesco, faccio yoga ogni giorno.Thanks Francesco, I do yoga every day.
- FrancescoAnch'io voglio tornare a essere snello.I want to be svelte again too.
- MartinaAllora iniziamo insieme da domani!Then let's start together tomorrow!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “svelte” translations and entries snello, slanciato, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries snello, CC BY-SA 4.0.
