painting in italian

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.

Quick answer:

“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?

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.

Painting / The art of painting

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

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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

I like painting.

Use: Talking about the art form.

I am painting a picture.

Use: Describing the action of painting.

This painting is famous.

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.