variazione
/va.rjatˈt͡sjo.ne/
In Italian, the English word "variation" is translated as variazione.
variazione is used to refer to a related but distinct thing. When you want to convey the scale of the variation, Italian speakers commonly add the adjectives piccola (small) or grande (large) to the word.
Meaning: related but distinct thing (noun)
Which one should you use?
While variazione refers specifically to a variation, you may use other synonyms depending on your context: diversità for diversity, divergenza for divergence or cambiamento for change.
How does it change in a sentence?
variazione is a feminine noun. Its plural form is variazioni.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has four syllables, with the stress on the third syllable: /va.rjatˈtsjo.ne/.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the concept of 'variation' in a person's mood or behavior is often described using the word altalena, which literally means 'seesaw'.
- In Italian music terminology, a variazione is not just a change in pitch, but a specific type of melodic improvisation over a theme.
- Italian has a related term variante, which is used specifically for a 'version' of a story or a 'variant' of a virus, whereas variazione describes the act or result of changing.
Examples in context
- I ricercatori sono rapidi a sottolineare che i geni non sono necessariamente il destino e che i genitori devoti possono ancora influenzare i loro figli in modo positivo, anche se stanno lavorando solo su una piccola percentuale della variazione totale.The researchers are quick to point out that genes are not necessarily destiny and that devoted parents can still influence their children in positive ways, even if they are only working on a small percentage of the total variation.This sentence shows how to use variazione when discussing a small percentage of a total amount.Tatoeba #9714822 by Guybrush88, translation #9196132 by DJ_Saidez
- Le variazioni climatiche sono evidenti in questa regioneThe climatic variations are evident in this region
- C'è stata una variazione grande nel prezzo del petrolioThere has been a significant variation in oil prices
- La variabilità climatica è aumentata negli ultimi decenniClimate variability has increased in recent decades
- C'è una piccola variazione nel prezzo di questo modello.There is a small variation in the price of this model.
- Questa versione è una variazione del design originale.This version is a variation of the original design.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Martina are discussing a recipe at home.
- LorenzoHai fatto una variazione della ricetta classica?Did you make a variation of the classic recipe?
- MartinaSì, ho aggiunto un po' di limone.Yes, I added a bit of lemon.
- LorenzoÈ molto buona, Martina.It is very good, Martina.
- MartinaGrazie, Lorenzo! Mi fa piacere.Thanks, Lorenzo! I'm glad.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry variazione, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
