guerra
/ˈɡwɛr.ra/feminine
The Italian word for war is guerra.
guerra is a noun used to describe a conflict involving the organized use of arms. To express the action of waging or engaging in war, Italians use the verbal phrase fare la guerra.
Meaning: conflict involving organized use of arms (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
guerra is a feminine noun. Its plural form is guerre.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈɡwɛr.ra/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word guerra actually traces its roots back to the Frankish word for 'confusion' or 'quarrel' rather than a term for combat.
- The Italian expression fare la guerra a qualcuno can mean to be overly strict or harsh with someone, such as a teacher with a student.
- In some regional Italian dialects, words related to guerra are used to describe the noisy chaos of a crowded market or a loud family dinner.
Examples in context
- Guerra – mai più!War – never again!This example shows the phrase guerra used in a common anti-war sentiment.Tatoeba #11871300 by Guybrush88, translation #9193541 by Ahha
- Io odio la guerra.I hate war.This sentence demonstrates how to express a personal feeling toward guerra.Tatoeba #11871310 by Guybrush88, translation #11848170 by CK
- La guerra è utile.War is useful.This sentence shows the use of guerra in a simple statement about its utility.Tatoeba #13233632 by Guybrush88, translation #13041360 by rul
- La guerra in Europa è finita nel 1945.The war in Europe ended in 1945.
- Stiamo vivendo un periodo di conflitto armato.We are experiencing a period of armed conflict.
- Oggi si parla molto della guerra in Siria.Today, there is a lot of talk about the war in Syria.
- Che casino! Speriamo che la guerra finisca presto.What a mess! Let's hope the war ends soon.
- 666 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Francesco are discussing a history book.
- GiuliaQuesto libro parla di una vecchia guerra.This book talks about an old war.
- FrancescoQuale guerra descrive esattamente?Which war does it describe exactly?
- GiuliaParla della guerra civile americana.It talks about the American Civil War.
- FrancescoÈ un argomento molto triste.It is a very sad topic.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “war” translations and entries guerra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries guerra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
