Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| spiacevole | /spjaˈt͡ʃe.vo.le/ |
| sgradevole | /zɡraˈde.vo.le/ |
Sgradevole is the preferred term for sensory unpleasantness, such as unpleasant tastes or smells. Spiacevole is more commonly used to describe abstract situations, feelings or behaviors.
What does it mean word for word?
The word spiacevole is formed from the verb piacere (to please) with the negation prefix s- and the suffix -evole, which denotes a tendency or capability.
Which one should you use?
While both terms mean unpleasant, sgradevole is more frequently used to describe sensory unpleasantness, such as a bad smell or a bad taste, whereas spiacevole is often used for abstract situations or behaviors.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both spiacevole and sgradevole are adjectives that must agree in gender and number with the noun they modify. For example, the masculine plural form of spiacevole is spiacevoli.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /spjaˈtʃe.vo.le/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The adjective sgradevole shares a common Latin root with the English word 'grateful', even though they now represent opposite ends of the emotional spectrum.
- Italian has a specific word for a feeling of 'unpleasantness' or 'discomfort' called disagio, which cannot be translated simply as 'unpleasant' because it implies a physical or mental lack of ease.
- The suffix -evole in spiacevole is used to create other adjectives describing a tendency, such as amorevole for 'loving' and piacevole for 'pleasant'.
Examples in context
- Tom è stato sgradevole.Tom was unpleasant.This sentence uses sgradevole to describe a person's behavior.Tatoeba #3403831 by Guybrush88, translation #3403484 by CK
- La necrosi è spiacevole.Necrosis is unpleasant.This sentence uses spiacevole to describe a medical condition.Tatoeba #13373408 by Guybrush88, translation #13162243 by rul
- Hai un odore sgradevole.You smell of something unpleasant.This sentence uses sgradevole to describe an unpleasant smell.Tatoeba #13681648 by Nuel, translation #13681647 by Nuel
- Il comportamento dell'ospite era sgradevole.The guest's behavior was unpleasant.
- È stato uno spiacevole incidente stradale.It was an unpleasant car accident.
- Lui ha avuto un brutto incontro al lavoro.He had an unpleasant encounter at work.
- 20 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Martina are talking about a recent business meeting.
- AlessandroCom'è andata la riunione con il cliente?How did the meeting with the client go?
- MartinaÈ stato un momento molto spiacevole per me.It was a very unpleasant moment for me.
- AlessandroMi dispiace molto sentire questo.I am very sorry to hear that.
- MartinaNon importa, passerà.It doesn't matter, it will pass.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “unpleasant” translations and entries spiacevole, sgradevole, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sgradevole, spiacevole, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
