tricolore
/tri.koˈlo.re/
The English phrase "tricolor" is translated into Italian as tricolore.
The word refers to a flag consisting of three colors, typically arranged in vertical or horizontal bands. It can appear in specific expressions, such as orgoglio tricolore (tricolor pride) or Insalata Tricolore (Tricolor Salad).
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the prefix tri- (three) and colore (color), literally meaning "three-colored".
How does it change in a sentence?
As a noun, tricolore is typically used as a masculine noun (il tricolore) when referring to a flag.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable: /tri.koˈlo.re/.
When do people say it?
In Italy, il Tricolore is the common shorthand used to refer specifically to the national flag of Italy, which consists of green, white and red.
Did you know?
- While tricolore describes the flag, Italians often refer to the colors themselves as il verde, il bianco e il rosso. In sports, the phrase azzurri is used instead because the national teams wear blue jerseys.
- The Italian tricolore was inspired by the French tricolore flag during the Napoleonic era. This shared terminology reflects a period of intense political and cultural exchange between the two nations.
- The concept of tricolore in Italian food refers to the colors of the flag: green, white and red. This is why a Tricolore salad or pizza specifically uses basil or spinach, mozzarella and tomato.
Examples in context
- La bandiera italiana è composta da tre bande verticali di colore verde, bianco e rosso, formando il tricolore.The Italian flag is composed of three vertical bands of green, white, and red, forming the tricolore.
- Guarda il nostro tricolino sventolare in cima all'asta!Look at our little tricolor waving at the top of the flagpole!
- Il tricolore sventola sul balcone.The tricolor is waving on the balcony.
- Il tricolore italiano è molto bello.The Italian tricolor is very beautiful.
Example conversation
Chiara and Francesco are preparing for a national holiday.
- ChiaraFrancesco, hai visto dove ho messo il tricolore?Francesco, have you seen where I put the tricolor?
- FrancescoSì, Chiara, è sopra il tavolo in cucina.Yes, Chiara, it is on the kitchen table.
- ChiaraPerfetto, lo appenderò subito al balcone.Perfect, I will hang it on the balcony immediately.
- FrancescoOttima idea, farà una bella figura.Great idea, it will look very nice.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tricolore, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
