processo
/proˈt͡ʃɛs.so/
The Italian word for 'trial' is processo.
Processo is a common and general word used to refer to a trial in both civil and criminal legal proceedings.
Which one should you use?
While processo refers to the legal trial itself, the word prova is used to refer to the evidence or the test presented during that trial.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of processo is processi.
How do you pronounce it?
/proˈtʃɛs.so/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful not to confuse processo with the English word 'process' (meaning a series of steps). In a legal context, it specifically means a trial.
Did you know?
- The word processo is used in the phrase processo creativo to describe the artistic journey of an author or painter.
- The Latin root of processo, processus, refers to a 'march forward' or 'advance', which describes the way a legal case progresses through stages.
- In a historical context, the processo of Galileo Galilei is one of the most famous legal events in Italian history and literature.
Examples in context
- Ci fu un processo.There was a trial.This sentence shows the use of processo to indicate that a trial occurred.Tatoeba #5979250 by Guybrush88, translation #4495132 by CK
- Il processo continuerà luned'.The trial will continue Monday.This sentence shows how to express that a processo will continue on a specific day.Tatoeba #11867847 by Guybrush88, translation #4665035 by CK
- La lingua polacca è a processo!The Polish language is on trial!This sentence uses processo in a figurative sense regarding the Polish language.Tatoeba #839331 by Guybrush88, translation #839320 by FeuDRenais2
- Nel processo penale, il giudice valuterà le prove presentate.In the criminal trial, the judge will evaluate the evidence presented.
- Il procedimento giudiziario è in corso presso il tribunale.The trial is currently taking place at the court.
- Abbiamo un processino tra amici per decidere chi paga il conto.We have a little trial among friends to decide who pays the bill.
- Mi sa che la sua causa si trascinerà per mesi.I think his trial will drag on for months.
- 34 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Martina are talking about a news report in a cafe.
- FrancescoHai visto il processo in TV?Did you see the trial on TV?
- MartinaNo, non ho avuto tempo.No, I didn't have time.
- FrancescoIl processo sembra molto complicato.The trial seems very complicated.
- MartinaSperiamo che finisca presto.I hope it ends soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry processo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries processo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
