capriccio
/kaˈprit.t͡ʃo/masculine
The English word "tantrum" is translated into Italian as capriccio. Wiktionary also lists bizza.
Meaning: often childish display of bad temper (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bizza | /ˈbid.d͡za/ | feminine |
| capriccio | /kaˈprit.t͡ʃo/ | masculine |
The term refers to a childish display of bad temper. To express the action of throwing a tantrum, use the phrase fare un capriccio.
Which one should you use?
While capriccio is the standard word for a childish tantrum, it can also mean a sudden whim or fancy.
How does it change in a sentence?
capriccio is a masculine noun, while bizza is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word capriccio has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable. The IPA pronunciation is /kaˈprit.tʃo/.
Did you know?
- The term capriccio gave rise to the musical 'capriccio', a piece of music that is lively, spirited and unpredictable in character.
- While capriccio describes the tantrum itself, the word riccio, used in its origin, is the modern Italian word for 'hedgehog'.
- Historically, Italians believed that having curly hair was a physical sign of an unruly and unpredictable character. This connection is why a 'curly head' became the term for a sudden whim or temper.
Examples in context
- Ha fatto una scena, agitando le braccia e gridando.He/she made a scene, waving his/her arms and shouting.
- Il bambino ha fatto un capriccio perché voleva il gelato.The child threw a tantrum because he wanted ice cream.
- È solo un capriccio.It is just a tantrum.
- Ha avuto un capriccio per il gelato.He had a tantrum over the ice cream.
- Non assecondare ogni suo capriccio.Do not indulge every tantrum of his.
Example conversation
Sofia and Lorenzo are discussing their child's behavior at the store.
- SofiaHai visto che capriccio ha fatto?Did you see the tantrum he threw?
- LorenzoSì, voleva quel giocattolo a tutti i costi.Yes, he wanted that toy at all costs.
- SofiaDobbiamo essere più fermi con lui.We need to be firmer with him.
- LorenzoHai ragione, Sofia, non viziamolo troppo.You are right, Sofia, let's not spoil him too much.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tantrum” translations and entries bizza, capriccio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bizza, capriccio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
