Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| selvaggio | /selˈvad.d͡ʒo/ |
| selvatico | /selˈva.ti.ko/ |
| brado | /ˈbra.do/ |
The term refers to things that are not domesticated or tamed. Depending on the context, it can describe the natural state of flora and fauna or characterize a person's savage or untamed behavior.
Which one should you use?
While selvaggio can describe a person's behavior, selvatico is the preferred term when referring to plants or animals in their natural, uncultivated state, such as in botanical or zoological contexts. Selvaggio often carries a connotation of being untamed, savage or even barbaric when applied to people.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine singular form is selvaggio, which becomes selvaggia in the feminine singular and selvaggi in the masculine plural. The form selvatico becomes selvatiche in the feminine plural.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /selˈvad.dʒo/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The word brado is a linguistic relative of bravo, though their meanings have diverged completely over centuries.
- The word brado is specifically used for animals that were domesticated but have returned to a wild state, such as wild horses.
Examples in context
- È un uomo selvaggio.He's a wild man.This sentence uses selvaggio to describe a man.Tatoeba #8492723 by Guybrush88, translation #8480043 by CH
- Tom è un uomo selvaggio.Tom is a wild man.Tatoeba #5980926 by Guybrush88, translation #5757914 by CM
- La volpe è un animale selvaggio.A fox is a wild animal.This sentence uses selvaggio to describe an animal.Tatoeba #380430 by Pharamp, translation #63324 by CK
- Questa riserva naturale è piena di animali selvaggi che vivono in libertà.This nature reserve is full of wild animals living freely.
- C'è stato un festival ieri notte, è stato davvero folle!There was a festival last night, it was really wild!
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Matteo are talking about a documentary on nature.
- GiuliaGuarda che bello quel cavallo selvaggio!Look how beautiful that wild horse is!
- MatteoSì, sembra molto libero e forte.Yes, it looks very free and strong.
- GiuliaPreferisco gli animali in stato selvaggio.I prefer animals in the wild.
- MatteoHai ragione, Giulia, è il loro posto.You are right, Giulia, it is their place.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wild” translations and entries selvaggio, selvatico, brado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries brado, selvaggio, selvatico, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
