matrimonio
/ma.triˈmɔ.njo/masculine
The English word 'wedding' can be translated into Italian using several terms, most commonly matrimonio. Wiktionary also lists nozze and sposalizio.
Meaning: marriage ceremony (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| matrimonio | /ma.triˈmɔ.njo/ | masculine |
| nozze | /ˈnɔt.t͡se/ | feminine, plural |
| sposalizio | /spo.zaˈlit.t͡sjo/ | masculine |
It is also the general word for the state of marriage itself.
Which one should you use?
While matrimonio is the most common and versatile term, it can mean both the wedding ceremony and the state of marriage. The word nozze is a plural feminine noun specifically used for the ceremony itself. The term sposalizio is an archaic or very formal word that is rarely used in modern everyday conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
Matrimonio is a masculine noun, and its plural form is matrimoni.
How do you pronounce it?
The word matrimonio has four syllables, with the stress on the third syllable: /ma.triˈmɔ.njo/.
Did you know?
- In Italy, it is considered bad luck for a bride to see her reflection in a mirror while wearing her wedding dress, so she often covers a mirror or removes a shoe before the ceremony.
- In Italy, the bomboniera is a traditional wedding favor given to guests, often consisting of a small decorative object containing five sugared almonds.
- The archaic word sposalizio is linked to the Latin 'sponsio', the same root that gives us the English word 'spouse' and the concept of a 'sponsor'.
Examples in context
- Ci sarà un matrimonio.There's going to be a wedding.This sentence illustrates how to say there is going to be a wedding using matrimonio.Tatoeba #5614409 by Guybrush88, translation #2877885 by CK
- Eri al mio matrimonio.You were at my wedding.This sentence shows how to say someone was at a wedding using matrimonio.Tatoeba #8688042 by Guybrush88, translation #2645567 by CK
- Ci si vede al matrimonio.See you at the wedding.This sentence is used to say see you at the wedding using matrimonio.Tatoeba #8667565 by Guybrush88, translation #8667563 by ajje
- Il loro matrimonio è stato un evento indimenticabile.Their wedding was an unforgettable event.
- Le loro nozze saranno celebrate nella chiesa del paese.Their wedding will be celebrated in the village church.
- Ho visto gli sposi ballare tutta la notte.I saw the newlyweds dancing all night long.
- 178 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Giulia are talking about a mutual friend's upcoming event.
- AlessandroHai ricevuto l'invito per il matrimonio di Luca?Did you receive the invitation for Luca's wedding?
- GiuliaSì, sarà un matrimonio bellissimo.Yes, it will be a beautiful wedding.
- AlessandroDove si terrà il matrimonio?Where will the wedding be held?
- GiuliaIl matrimonio sarà in una villa in Toscana.The wedding will be in a villa in Tuscany.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wedding” translations and entries matrimonio, nozze, sposalizio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries matrimonio, nozze, sposalizio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
