tossico
/ˈtɔs.si.ko/
The English word 'toxic' is translated into Italian as tossico.
Tossico is used to describe a toxic substance or something that is physically harmful.
Meaning: severely negative or harmful (adj)
Which one should you use?
Velenoso is used to describe a toxic substance or physical harm, and can also be used metaphorically to refer to toxic situations, relationships or behaviors.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, so use the feminine form tossica for feminine nouns. The masculine plural form is tossici. The feminine plural form is tossiche.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtɔs.si.ko/. The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The Greek root of tossico is related to the word for 'bow', because ancient arrows were coated in poison.
- In common Italian slang, the word tossico has a specific, darker connotation: it is often used as a noun to refer to a drug addict.
- If you describe a person as velenoso, it can imply they are not just harmful, but actively spiteful or malicious, like a person spreading 'venom'.
Examples in context
- Il piombo è un metallo tossico.Lead is a toxic metal.This sentence is useful for seeing tossico used to describe a metal.Tatoeba #5751025 by Guybrush88, translation #5748292 by CM
- Questo additivo alimentare è tossico.This food additive is toxic.This sentence shows tossico describing a food additive.Tatoeba #13443917 by Guybrush88, translation #6854316 by Eccles17
- Lei razionalizza il suo comportamento tossico.She rationalises his toxic behaviour.This sentence demonstrates tossico being used to describe behavior.Tatoeba #11691792 by Nuel, translation #11691791 by Nuel
- Questo prodotto è tossico per l'ambiente.This product is toxic to the environment.
- Si prega di non toccare la sostanza tossica.Please do not touch the toxic substance.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Sofia are talking about a former friend.
- MatteoPerché non vedi più Marco?Why don't you see Marco anymore?
- SofiaEra un rapporto troppo tossico per me.It was a relationship that was too toxic for me.
- MatteoCapisco, avevi bisogno di stare meglio.I understand, you needed to feel better.
- SofiaSì, ora sono molto più serena.Yes, now I am much more peaceful.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tossico, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tossico, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
