compito
/ˈkom.pi.to/masculine
The English word 'task' is translated into Italian as compito.
compito refers to a piece of work done as part of one's duties.
Meaning: piece of work done as part of one’s duties (noun)
Which one should you use?
In a school context, compito is the standard word for homework or a class assignment. In a professional context, use compito for a specific task or assignment, whereas mansione is used to refer to a professional duty or a specific job function within a role.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of compito is compiti.
How do you pronounce it?
compito is pronounced /ˈkom.pi.to/. It has three syllables and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word compito shares a common ancestor with the English word 'compute', both coming from the Latin 'computare' which means 'to calculate' or 'to count'.
- A compito in classe is not just any task, but specifically a graded test or quiz administered during a lesson.
- In Italian, the word compito can be used to describe a 'mission' or a moral duty, moving the meaning from a simple chore to a higher calling.
Examples in context
- Finii il mio compito.I finished my task.This sentence shows the completion of a compito.Tatoeba #9724978 by Guybrush88, translation #9720182 by ariarin
- Non è un compito facile.It's not an easy task.This sentence describes the difficulty of a compito.Tatoeba #5007939 by Guybrush88, translation #5006422 by CK
- Il compito non era facile.The task wasn't easy.Tatoeba #13984536 by Guybrush88, translation #13964101 by araneo
- Ho molti compiti da fareI have a lot of tasks to do.
- Dobbiamo completare l'attività entro domaniWe need to complete the task by tomorrow.
- Svolge numerose mansioni ogni giornoHe/She carries out numerous tasks every day.
- Devo sbrigare alcune commissioni oggiI need to take care of some tasks today.
- Ho un impegno importante questa settimanaI have an important task this week.
- un compito difficileA difficult task
- un lavoro urgenteAn urgent task
- Ho un piccolo compito per teI have a small task for you.
- Devo finire il mio compitoI need to finish my task.
- Devi completare il tuo compitoYou need to complete your task.
- 43 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing their daily work at the office.
- MatteoSofia, hai finito quel compito per il capo?Sofia, did you finish that task for the boss?
- SofiaNon ancora, Matteo. È un compito molto lungo.Not yet, Matteo. It is a very long task.
- MatteoVuoi che ti aiuti con questo compito?Do you want me to help you with this task?
- SofiaSì, grazie! Mi faresti un grande favore.Yes, thanks! You would be doing me a great favor.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “task” translations and entries compito, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries compito, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
