sano
/ˈsa.no/
Wholesome is translated into Italian as sano.
The word sano is used to describe things that are decent, innocuous or sweet. While it can translate to 'wholesome', it is most commonly used to mean 'healthy' in a physical or mental sense.
Meaning: decent, innocuous, sweet (adj)
Which one should you use?
While sano can mean 'wholesome', it is more frequently applied to the concept of being 'healthy'. To express the idea of being wholesome or healthy in a more formal or descriptive way, you might use the adjective salutare or the verb salutare.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective sano must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use sana for feminine singular nouns, sani for masculine plural nouns and sane for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsa.no/. The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word sano is a direct relative of the English word 'sanitary', as both stem from the Latin 'sānus'.
- Be careful when using salutare as a verb, as it actually means 'to greet' rather than 'to be wholesome'.
- Italian uses sano to describe a 'wholesome' person, but if you describe a meal as sano, it specifically implies it is nutritious rather than just 'decent'.
Examples in context
- La dieta mediterranea è un esempio di alimentazione salutare.The Mediterranean diet is an example of a wholesome diet.
- La nonna cucina sempre con ingredienti genuini e il suo piatto è sempre delizioso.Grandma always cooks with wholesome ingredients, and her dish is always delicious.
- Vogliamo un ambiente sano per i bambini.We want a wholesome environment for the children.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Sofia are discussing a new TV show.
- AlessandroHai visto questa serie? È un contenuto molto sano.Have you seen this series? It is very wholesome content.
- SofiaSì, è proprio dolce e rilassante.Yes, it is really sweet and relaxing.
- AlessandroÈ perfetto da guardare in famiglia.It's perfect to watch with the family.
- SofiaConcordo, Alessandro, è davvero piacevole.I agree, Alessandro, it's truly pleasant.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sano, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sano, CC BY-SA 4.0.
