If you want to know how to say painting in Italian, the main word is pittura. It can mean the art of painting or a painting as an artwork. The verb “to paint” is dipingere, and a specific painting is often called un dipinto or un quadro.
“Painting” in Italian is pittura, pronounced approximately “peet-TOO-rah.” “To paint” is dipingere, while “a painting” can be un dipinto.
- How Do You Say Painting in Italian?
- Different Italian Words Related to Painting
- Painting in Italian: Quick Comparison
- How to Pronounce Pittura
- Is Pittura Masculine or Feminine?
- Example Sentences Using Painting in Italian
- Frequently Asked Questions About Painting in Italian
- Summary: How to Say Painting in Italian
How Do You Say Painting in Italian?
The Italian word for the art of painting is pittura. It is also used to talk about painting as a technique or tradition.
For one finished artwork, Italian commonly uses un dipinto or un quadro. The verb “to paint” is dipingere. A set of artworks can be una collezione di dipinti; see collection in Italian.
Meaning: Painting
Different Italian Words Related to Painting
Use pittura for the art, dipinto for an artwork, and dipingere for the action.
1. La pittura — Painting
La pittura means painting as an art form or technique. La pittura italiana means “Italian painting.”
2. Dipingere — To Paint
Dipingere is the verb “to paint.” Mi piace dipingere means “I like painting.”
3. Un dipinto — A Painting
Un dipinto means a painting as a completed work of art. It comes from the verb dipingere.
4. Un quadro — A Picture / Painting
Un quadro is a common everyday word for a framed picture or painting. In an art museum, it can refer to a painting.
5. Pittore / Pittrice — Painter
Pittore means a male painter, and pittrice means a female painter. The plural forms are pittori and pittrici.
Painting in Italian: Quick Comparison
← Swipe horizontally to see the full table →
| Italian | Meaning | Use |
|---|---|---|
| la pittura | painting | Art form or technique |
| dipingere | to paint | Verb |
| un dipinto | a painting | Completed artwork |
| un quadro | a picture / painting | Everyday word for framed artwork |
| pittore / pittrice | painter | Person who paints |
How to Pronounce Pittura
Pittura is pronounced /pitˈtuːra/, approximately “peet-TOO-rah.” Stress the middle syllable. The double tt is held slightly longer than a single t.
The final a is a clear Italian vowel. Do not reduce it to a silent ending.
Is Pittura Masculine or Feminine?
Pittura is feminine: la pittura and una pittura. Adjectives agree with it: una bella pittura means “a beautiful painting style or work.”
Dipinto is masculine: un dipinto. Quadro is also masculine: un quadro.
Example Sentences Using Painting in Italian
Use: Talking about the art form.
Use: Describing the action of painting.
Use: Talking about an artwork.
Frequently Asked Questions About Painting in Italian
Tap a question below to see the answer.
How do you say painting in Italian?
Use pittura for painting as an art form. For one artwork, use un dipinto or un quadro.
How do you say to paint in Italian?
The verb “to paint” is dipingere.
What is the difference between pittura and dipinto?
Pittura refers to painting as an art or technique. Dipinto refers to a completed painting.
How do you say painter in Italian?
A male painter is a pittore, and a female painter is a pittrice.
How do you say oil painting in Italian?
Say pittura a olio, meaning “oil painting.”
How do you say watercolor painting in Italian?
Say acquerello for “watercolor” or pittura ad acquerello for “watercolor painting.”
Summary: How to Say Painting in Italian
The main word for painting in Italian is pittura. The verb “to paint” is dipingere, and a finished painting is un dipinto or un quadro.
Use pittore or pittrice for a painter. Remember that pittura is feminine: la pittura.
