duro
/ˈdu.ro/
The Italian word for tough is duro.
duro is used to describe something that is demanding or a person who is tough. It is also used in the idiomatic expression fare il duro, which means to act tough or to play the tough guy by pretending to be intimidating or strong.
Meaning: difficult or demanding (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, duro means 'hard' in terms of physical texture or consistency, which provides the basis for its metaphorical use to describe tough situations.
Which one should you use?
While duro can be used metaphorically for a tough life or situation, if you want to describe a task or a problem that is simply difficult, the more standard word to use is difficile.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use dura for feminine singular nouns, duri for masculine plural nouns and dure for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdu.ro/. The stress is on the first of the two syllables.
Did you know?
- While duro describes a tough person, the phrase essere un osso duro literally means 'to be a hard bone' to describe someone who is stubborn or difficult to defeat.
- The word duro is a cognate of the Sanskrit word dūrá, which means 'distant' or 'far'.
- In the context of music or sound, duro can be used to describe a harsh or jarring tone that lacks sweetness.
Examples in context
- Tom non è duro.Tom isn't tough.This sentence shows how to use duro to describe a person.Tatoeba #4247421 by Guybrush88, translation #3171266 by CK
- Non fare il duro.Don't play tough.This sentence uses the expression fare il duro to tell someone not to act tough.Tatoeba #11747742 by Nuel, translation #11747741 by Nuel
- So che ciò è duro.I know this is tough.This sentence shows how to use duro to describe a situation.Tatoeba #2614660 by Guybrush88, translation #2376172 by CK
- La competizione era molto duraThe competition was very tough
- È stato un periodo molto difficileIt was a very tough period
- Il suo atteggiamento verso il cambiamento è molto rigidoHis attitude towards change is very tough
- Sei un ragazzo forteYou're a tough guy
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Sofia are discussing their heavy workload at the office.
- SofiaAlessandro, questo progetto è davvero duro.Alessandro, this project is really tough.
- AlessandroSì, Sofia, è molto impegnativo.Yes, Sofia, it is very demanding.
- SofiaDobbiamo finire entro domani.We have to finish by tomorrow.
- AlessandroSpero che sia l'ultima volta.I hope it is the last time.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry duro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries duro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
