vanità
/va.niˈta/feminine
The English phrase 'vanity' is translated into Italian as vanità.
vanità refers to the concept of excessive pride.
Meaning: excessive pride (noun)
Which one should you use?
While vanità specifically refers to vanity, the related term superbia means pride and presunzione means presumption.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some areas, the word falsità (falsehood) is used to describe vanity, while egoismo (egoism or selfishness) is used as a regional alternative to capture the self-centered nature associated with the concept.
How does it change in a sentence?
vanità is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 3rd syllable: /va.niˈta/.
Did you know?
- In Italian art history, vanità refers to a specific genre of still-life painting that includes skulls, rotting fruit and hourglasses to symbolize the emptiness of earthly life.
- The Italian word vanità is derived from the Latin vānitātem, which literally meant 'emptiness'.
- In common Italian parlance, calling someone vanitoso focuses on their desire to be admired by others, whereas superbo describes someone who believes they are inherently superior.
Examples in context
- La sua vanità non conosce limiti.Her vanity knows no bounds.This sentence is useful for describing someone whose vanity has no limits using vanità.Tatoeba #664407 by Guybrush88, translation #663007 by darinmex
- Vanità di vanità, tutto è vanità.Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.This sentence is useful for expressing the philosophical idea that all is vanity using vanità.Tatoeba #2255608 by Guybrush88, translation #369687 by zipangu
- Può essere molto vanitosa circa il suo aspetto.She can be quite vain about her looks.
- La sua vanità è davvero irritante.Her vanity is truly irritating.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Sofia are discussing a co-worker.
- LorenzoQuella donna è troppo piena di vanità.That woman is too full of vanity.
- SofiaSì, Lorenzo, lo penso anche io.Yes, Lorenzo, I think so too.
- LorenzoNon riesce mai a parlare di qualcun altro.She can never talk about anyone else.
- SofiaLa sua vanità rovina il clima in ufficio.Her vanity ruins the office atmosphere.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “vanity” translations and entries vanità, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vanità, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
