girino
/d͡ʒiˈri.no/masculine
The English word tadpole is girino in Italian.
girino is used to refer to a toad or frog larva.
Meaning: toad or frog larva (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In southern regions like Campania and Calabria, the term pisciarello is used to describe tadpoles.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of girino is girini.
How do you pronounce it?
girino is pronounced /dʒiˈri.no/. The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- While girino is the standard term, the regional term pisciarello used in southern Italy is much more colloquial and carries a slightly crude connotation related to urination.
- Italian speakers sometimes use girino metaphorically to describe a very small child or a beginner who is still 'developing' their skills.
- The Greek root of girino relates to 'turning' or 'circling', reflecting the specific way tadpoles swim in circles.
Examples in context
- Nell'acquario vedrai numerosi girini di rana.In the aquarium, you will see several tadpoles.
- C'è un girino nel secchio.There is a tadpole in the bucket.
- Ho visto un piccolo girino vicino al fiume.I saw a little tadpole near the river.
- Il girino nuota nell'acqua fresca.The tadpole swims in the fresh water.
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Sofia are looking at a small pond in a park.
- LorenzoGuarda, Sofia, c'è un girino in quel piccolo stagno!Look, Sofia, there is a tadpole in that small pond!
- SofiaOh, è davvero carino quel girino.Oh, that tadpole is really cute.
- LorenzoSpero che diventi presto una rana.I hope it becomes a frog soon.
- SofiaSì, sarà bellissimo vederlo crescere.Yes, it will be beautiful to see it grow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tadpole” translations and entries girino, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries girino, CC BY-SA 4.0.
