selvatico
/selˈva.ti.ko/masculine
The English phrase untamed translates to Italian as selvatico. Wiktionary also lists brado.
Meaning: Wild, uncontrolled, especially of animals not domesticated or trained to human contact (adj)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| selvatico | /selˈva.ti.ko/ | masculine |
| brado | /ˈbra.do/ |
The term selvatico is used to describe things that are wild or uncontrolled, particularly in reference to animals that have not been domesticated or plants that grow in the wild, such as wild berries.
Which one should you use?
While selvatico is the standard term, brado is another way to express the concept of being untamed. For more elegant or formal contexts, the word indomito is often preferred.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective selvatico must agree with the noun it describes. Use selvatica for feminine singular nouns, selvatici for masculine plural nouns and selvatiche for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /selˈva.ti.ko/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The word brado is also a linguistic relative of bravo, though today they have completely different meanings.
- While selvatico describes things found in nature, the word selvaggio can be used to describe a person who is uncivilized or crude.
- The term selvatico is closely related to the English word 'sylvan', which refers to things associated with the woods.
Examples in context
- Il paesaggio indomito dell'AppenninoThe untamed landscape of the Apennines
- Ho incontrato un cane indomabile nel parco oggi!I met an untamed dog in the park today!
- Il toro correva liberamente col suo spirito brado.The bull ran freely with its untamed spirit.
- Il gatto selvatico vive nel bosco.The wild cat lives in the woods.
- Abbiamo visto un animale selvatico ieri.We saw a wild animal yesterday.
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Giulia are visiting a nature reserve.
- LorenzoGuarda quel cavallo, sembra molto selvatico.Look at that horse, it seems very untamed.
- GiuliaSì, Giulia pensa che sia pericoloso avvicinarsi.Yes, Giulia thinks it is dangerous to get close.
- LorenzoHai ragione, meglio restare qui.You are right, it is better to stay here.
- GiuliaÈ bellissimo vedere un animale così selvatico.It is beautiful to see such an untamed animal.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “untamed” translations and entries selvatico, brado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries brado, selvatico, CC BY-SA 4.0.
