Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| traditore | /tra.diˈto.re/ | masculine |
| banderuola | /ban.deˈrwɔ.la/ | feminine |
| proditore | masculine | |
| proditrice | feminine |
The primary way to describe someone who betrays is through the noun traditore. Metaphorically, you might also hear the term venduto, which literally means sold and is used informally to describe someone who betrays others for personal gain.
Which one should you use?
While traditore is the standard term for a betrayer, the word banderuola literally means a weather vane. Colloquially, it is used to describe a person who is fickle or changes sides easily, similar to a 'traitor' in a metaphorical sense.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun traditore is masculine. Its feminine form is traditrice, and the masculine plural is traditori. If you are referring to multiple female traitors, use the feminine plural traditrici.
How do you pronounce it?
/tra.diˈto.re/. The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The Italian word traditore shares a Latin root with the English word 'tradition', as both originate from the idea of 'handing over' or 'delivering'.
- In Dante's 'Divine Comedy', the lowest circle of Hell is reserved for the traditori, who are frozen in ice for eternity.
- Italian uses the verb tradire not only for betrayal but also to describe a subconscious signal, such as when a shaking hand betrays a person's nervousness.
Examples in context
- Lei è un traditore.You're a traitor.This sentence uses traditore to identify a person as a traitor.Tatoeba #4881653 by Guybrush88, translation #1841503 by CK
- Tom è il traditore.Tom is the traitor.This sentence uses traditore to identify Tom as the specific traitor.Tatoeba #6793825 by Guybrush88, translation #2647937 by CK
- Tu sei un traditore.You are a traitor.This sentence uses traditore to state that you are a traitor.Tatoeba #4881651 by Guybrush88, translation #4870654 by zvzuibqx
- Non posso credere che Luca si sia rivelato un traditore!I can't believe Luca turned out to be a traitor!
- È stata una politica traditrice nei confronti del suo partito.She was a traitor to her party.
- La tua azione è stata traditrice e inaccettabile.Your action was traitorous and unacceptable.
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Sofia are discussing a former colleague in a cafe.
- LorenzoMarco è un traditore.Marco is a traitor.
- SofiaDavvero? Mi dispiace sentirlo.Really? I am sorry to hear that.
- LorenzoSì, ha rivelato tutti i nostri segreti.Yes, he revealed all our secrets.
- SofiaÈ un traditore terribile.He is a terrible traitor.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “traitor” translations and entries traditore, banderuola, proditore, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries banderuola, traditore, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
