spada
/ˈspa.da/feminine
The Italian word for sword is spada. Wiktionary also lists brando and stocco.
Meaning: weapon (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| spada | /ˈspa.da/ | feminine |
| brando | /ˈbran.do/ | masculine, poetic |
| stocco | /ˈstɔk.ko/ | masculine |
| gladio | /ˈɡla.djo/ | masculine |
| ghiado | /ˈɡja.do/ | masculine |
Which one should you use?
While spada is the general term, gladio specifically refers to a short sword, such as a Roman gladius. Stocco describes a specific type of small, thin sword or stiletto.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Brando is a highly stylized, poetic term that is not used in everyday conversation and ghiado is an archaic, literary form.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form spada is a feminine noun. Its plural form is spade.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈspa.da/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian, spada is also the common name for the swordfish, the pesce spada.
- While gladio is a Latin word, it may have originally been borrowed from the Gaulish word kladyos.
Examples in context
- Chi ha la spada?Who has the sword?This sentence is useful for asking who possesses the spada.Tatoeba #13984267 by Guybrush88, translation #11827080 by ddnktr
- Mi dia la spada.Give me the sword.This sentence is useful for requesting the spada.Tatoeba #13984293 by Guybrush88, translation #4770240 by garborg
- Non ho una spada.I don't have a sword.This sentence is useful for stating that one does not possess a spada.Tatoeba #1019338 by Guybrush88, translation #386506 by Dorenda
- La spada dei cavalieri templari è diventata leggendaria.The sword of the Knights Templar has become legendary.
- 155 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Martina are looking at an old museum display.
- LorenzoGuarda quella vecchia spada d'oro.Look at that old golden sword.
- MartinaÈ una spada bellissima, Lorenzo.It is a beautiful sword, Lorenzo.
- LorenzoPensi che sia pesante?Do you think it is heavy?
- MartinaSì, sembra molto pesante.Yes, it looks very heavy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sword” translations and entries spada, brando, stocco, gladio, ghiado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries brando, gladio, spada, stocco, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
