bizzarro
/bidˈd͡zar.ro/masculine
The English word uncanny can be translated into Italian as bizzarro or strano.
Meaning: strange, mysteriously unsettling (adj)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bizzarro | /bidˈd͡zar.ro/ | masculine |
| strano | /ˈstra.no/ |
Both terms are used to describe something that is strange or mysteriously unsettling.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form is bizzarra, and the masculine plural form is bizzarri.
How do you pronounce it?
The word bizzarro has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /bidˈdzar.ro/.
Did you know?
- The word bizzarro is thought to be linked to bizza, which refers to a 'tantrum'. This suggests the word's origin is tied to the idea of an erratic emotional outburst.
- While 'strano' is the common way to say 'strange', if you want to describe someone as an 'outsider' or a 'stranger' in a social sense, you should use the related word 'estraneo'.
- The Italian word 'bizzarro' can actually describe a person with a very eccentric or quirky temperament, rather than just an unsettling situation.
Examples in context
- La somiglianza tra i due dipinti è inquietante.The resemblance between the two paintings is uncanny.
- Ho avuto una sensazione inquietante mentre passeggiavo nel bosco.I had an uncanny feeling while walking in the woods.
- La sua voce ha un tono inquietante.Her voice has an uncanny tone.
- La sua risata era inquietante.His laugh was uncanny.
- C'è qualcosa di strano in quel posto.There's something uncanny about that place.
- Ho avuto un sogno strano e affascinante la scorsa notte.I had an uncanny and fascinating dream last night.
- I rumori che sento di notte sono davvero misteriosi.The noises I hear at night are truly uncanny.
- I rumori provenienti dal seminterrato sono inspiegabilmente insoliti.The noises coming from the basement are inexplicably uncanny.
- Questo silenzio è davvero bizzarro.This silence is truly uncanny.
- È un quadro con un aspetto bizzarro.It is a painting with an uncanny look.
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Sofia are looking at an old, strange-looking doll in a shop window.
- LorenzoGuarda quel giocattolo, ha un aspetto bizzarro.Look at that toy, it has an uncanny look.
- SofiaSì, mi mette un po' d'ansia.Yes, it makes me a bit anxious.
- LorenzoSembra quasi che ti stia guardando.It almost looks like it is watching you.
- SofiaHai ragione, andiamo via da qui.You're right, let's get out of here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “uncanny” translations and entries bizzarro, strano, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bizzarro, strano, CC BY-SA 4.0.
